EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/24/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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  ABA   



Greenville Galaxy appoints new VP of Basketball Operations - by Gianni Pascucci

The ABA Greenville Galaxy would like to welcome the addition of Markus Martin as the VP of Basketball Operations. Markus holds a BS degree in Business Administration from Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte NC. A native of Greenville SC, he is a graduate of Mauldin High School and a member of Kappa Alpha Ssi Inc. With over 19 years experience in claim information management, insurance sales management and telecommunications, applying a strong expertise in Operations, long-term strategic planning, Markus will be a welcome addition to the Greenville Galaxy organization.
"We're very pleased to have Marcus as part of our organization," stated Patrick L. Tate, team owner "We're building one of the best organizations in the ABA and we believe Markus' background will be a great asset to the team."
For more information, visit www.greenvillegalaxy.com or email info@greenvillegalaxy.com


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  ASEAN LEAGUE   


Raising the bar in Singapore Basketball - by Trent Williams

The Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS) said it wants to raise the level of basketball professionalism in the country and hopes Singapore's national teams will win a medal for basketball at the next SEA Games in 2015.

To this effect, the BAS has hired a new technical director from Australia, who has worked for the Asian Basketball Federation (FIBA Asia).

David Ong, president of the BAS, said: "He's going to try and help us review the processes and look at player development. Not only the players but also the coaches, the technical staff and our referees (as well)."

In addition, the world's top basketball entity, the NBA, has decided to set up a base here in Singapore.

Delvin Goh, a member of the Singapore senior men's team, said: "NBA they got those really good trainers and professional trainers, and nutritionists as well. So I find that Singapore is kind of lacking in that area. So I hope that they would allow some NBA trainers to come here and train Singaporeans."

Mr Ong hopes that the BAS will be able to learn from what is being practiced in the NBA. He said: "What I do hope is that NBA could transfer some of the skills and expertise to us. NBA is world-renowned in terms of coaching, players, technical expertise.

"I know that they are thinking of a 3-on-3 tournament that's coming up with NBA. We're seeing more people coming together to play 3-on-3, especially youth. So we're going to put a lot more effort in trying to have more tournaments that's easy to organise and participate. And 3-on-3 is definitely one of them."

Some of the Singapore national team members get exposure and playing time by playing for the Singapore Slingers.

Michael Johnson, general manager fo the Singapore Slingers, said: "Last year, we went to the Broome outdoor tournament in Western Australia. And this year, there'll be the Beijing Ducks, the Shanghai Sharks, the Perth Wildcats from Australian's NBL will be participating, together with the Singapore Slingers. So there's a very high standard of competition."

To encourage players here to embark on a career in basketball, the Basketball Association of Singapore said one of the ways to help players do so may include professionalising the Singapore National Basketball League in future.


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  AUSTRALIA   

Standings - ABA

State Standings
Big V
 1. Ringwood H. 16-3 
 2. Eltham W. 13-5 
 3. Waverley F. 12-7 
 4. Corio Bay 12-7 
 5. Diamond V.E. 9-10 
 6. Hume City 9-10 
 7. Bulleen B. 6-13 
 8. Sherbrooke S. 5-14 
 9. Melbourne 3-16 
Central ABL
 1. Forestville E. 12-4 
 2. Sturt S. 12-4 
 3. N.Adelaide R. 11-5 
 4. W.Adelaide B. 11-5 
 5. Norwood F. 10-6 
 6. Woodville W. 8-8 
 7. C.District L. 6-10 
 8. Southern T. 5-11 
 9. S.Adelaide P. 4-12 
 10. Eastern M. 1-15 
QBL
 1. Rockhampton 9-1 
 2. Mackay M. 9-1 
 3. Ipswich F. 9-3 
 4. Cairns M. 9-4 
 5. Northside W. 7-4 
 6. Townsville H. 7-6 
 7. SW Metro P. 5-6 
 8. Gold Coast R. 4-7 
 9. Bundaberg B. 4-8 
 10. Brisbane C. 4-9 
 11. Gladstone P. 3-8 
 12. Toowoomba 3-8 
 13. Maroochydore 2-10 
SBL
 1. Wanneroo W. 21-2 
 2. Lakeside L. 20-3 
 3. Mandurah M. 16-8 
 4. Cockburn C. 15-8 
 5. East Perth E. 15-9 
 6. Perth R. 13-10 
 7. Perry Lakes H. 11-12 
 8. Goldfield G. 11-13 
 9. Willetton T. 11-13 
 10. Kalamunda E.S. 9-13 
 11. Geraldton B. 9-14 
 12. Stirling S. 7-16 
 13. SW Slammers 3-20 
 14. Rockingham F. 2-22 
SEABL-East
 1. Dandenong 19-5 
 2. Geelong S. 18-5 
 3. Bendigo B. 14-9 
 4. Sandringham S. 13-11 
 5. Frankston B. 12-11 
 6. Brisbane S. 8-16 
 7. Canberra G. 1-24 
SEABL-South
 1. Nunawading S. 15-8 
 2. Knox R. 14-8 
 3. Albury W.B. 13-11 
 4. Hobart C. 13-12 
 5. Kilsyth C. 12-12 
 6. Ballarat M. 11-12 
 7. NW Tasmania 8-17 
 8. Mt Gambier 7-17 
WARATAH
 1. Newcastle H. 14-3 
 2. Norths Bears 14-4 
 3. Manly Warr. 11-6 
 4. Illawarra H. 11-8 
 5. Cent.Coast C. 10-9 
 6. Bankstown B. 9-8 
 7. Sydney C. 9-8 
 8. Maitland M. 9-9 
 9. Hills H. 7-10 
 10. Parramatta W. 4-12 
 11. Colonial Hotel 4-14 
 12. Sutherland S. 3-14 

Regular Season: Round 17

BIG V

Jul. 22: Waverley F. - Hume City 97-85
Jul. 21: Eltham W. - Bulleen B. 85-78
Jul. 21: Ringwood H. - Corio Bay 85-65
Jul. 22: Sherbrooke S. - Diamond V.E. 77-90
Jul. 21: Diamond V.E. - Melbourne 105-99

Central ABL

Jul. 21: S.Adelaide P. - C.District L. 80-92
Jul. 21: Norwood F. - Woodville W. 79-62
Jul. 21: Eastern M. - Sturt S. 77-82
Jul. 21: Southern T. - W.Adelaide B. 71-88
Jul. 21: N.Adelaide R. - Forestville E. 59-67

QBL

Jul. 22: Rockhampton - Townsville H. 97-80
Jul. 21: Ipswich F. - Maroochydore 90-64
Jul. 22: Northside W. - Bundaberg B. 79-73
Jul. 21: SW Metro P. - Cairns M. 78-85
Jul. 21: Gladstone P. - Townsville H. 77-89
Jul. 21: Toowoomba - Gold Coast R. 77-87
Jul. 22: Gold Coast R. - Cairns M. 63-89
Jul. 21: Brisbane C. - Bundaberg B. 60-83

SEABL

Jul. 21: Dandenong - Hobart C. 94-70
Jul. 21: Brisbane S. - Sandringham S. 91-84
Jul. 21: Geelong S. - Ballarat M. 89-78
Jul. 21: Nunawading S. - Canberra G. 87-67
Jul. 20: Mt Gambier - Kilsyth C. 83-74
Jul. 20: Albury W.B. - Hobart C. 77-61
Jul. 20: Frankston B. - Canberra G. 63-56
Jul. 21: Kilsyth C. - Knox R. 61-83
Jul. 22: Ballarat M. - NW Tasmania 101-63
Jul. 21: Bendigo B. - NW Tasmania 100-64

WARATAH

Jul. 21: Newcastle H. - Hills H. 88-80
Jul. 21: Illawarra H. - Sydney C. 77-70
Jul. 21: Norths Bears - Maitland M. 77-65
Jul. 21: Sutherland S. - Bankstown B. 73-87
Jul. 21: Parramatta W. - Manly Warr. 69-70

Regular Season: Round 18

BIG V

Jul. 28: Corio Bay - Eltham W.
Jul. 28: Bulleen B. - Sherbrooke S.
Jul. 28: Ringwood H. - Diamond V.E.
Jul. 28: Melbourne - Waverley F.
Jul. 29: Eltham W. - Hume City

Central ABL

Jul. 28: W.Adelaide B. - Norwood F.
Jul. 28: S.Adelaide P. - Sturt S.
Jul. 28: Woodville W. - Eastern M.
Jul. 28: C.District L. - N.Adelaide R.
Jul. 28: Forestville E. - Southern T.

QBL

Jul. 27: Cairns M. - Mackay M.
Jul. 27: Maroochydore - Rockhampton
Jul. 28: SW Metro P. - Gladstone P.
Jul. 28: Northside W. - Toowoomba
Jul. 28: Brisbane C. - Ipswich F.
Jul. 28: Townsville H. - Mackay M.
Jul. 28: Bundaberg B. - Rockhampton
Jul. 29: Gold Coast R. - Gladstone P.

SEABL

Jul. 27: Hobart C. - NW Tasmania
Jul. 27: Bendigo B. - Knox R.
Jul. 27: Mt Gambier - Albury W.B.
Jul. 28: Brisbane S. - Bendigo B.
Jul. 28: Canberra G. - Ballarat M.
Jul. 28: Frankston B. - Knox R.
Jul. 28: Sandringham S. - Dandenong
Jul. 28: Geelong S. - Albury W.B.
Jul. 28: Nunawading S. - Kilsyth C.
Jul. 29: Kilsyth C. - Geelong S.

WARATAH

Jul. 28: Parramatta W. - Sutherland S.
Jul. 28: Colonial Hotel - Hills H.
Jul. 28: Manly Warr. - Maitland M.
Jul. 28: Illawarra H. - Bankstown B.
Jul. 28: Newcastle H. - Cent.Coast C.
Jul. 28: Sydney C. - Norths Bears


AND1 SEABL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK - ROUND 17 - by Eurobasket News

Mohamed Ntumba (Albury/Wodonga) and Myra Donkin (Hobart) win Player of the week after a sensational performance in round 17 of SEABL action.

Mohamed Ntumba (200-C-85, college: S.Indiana) Albury/Wodonga Bandits

Needing to record the victory to stay in finals contention, Albury/Wodonga Import Mohamed Ntumba produced a stellar game on Friday night to guide his team to the win. Ntumba recorded 22pts@45%, 18rebs, 1ass, 3stls and 3blks to earn his second Player of the Week recognition this year.

Other notable performances were;

q Frankston Blues Import Calvin Henry (198-F-86, college: Mercer) guided his team to a 7pt victory on Friday night against Canberra with 27pts@59%, 11rebs and 1blk.

q Ballarat Miners Kevin White (189-G-87, college: Alaska-Anch.) averaged 18.5pts, 2rebs and 5.5ass for the weekend, helping his team to a 1-1 record and remain in finals contention.

q Knox Raiders CJ Massingale (191-G-82, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Metro St.) continued his good recent form with 28pts@58%, 6rebs, 2ass and 2stls against arch rivals Kilsyth on Saturday night.
Courtesy of: www.seabl.com.au


Australia snatch win over France - by Eurobasket News

France - Australia 67:69

Australia celebrated a narrow win over France in the last preparation game for both teams before the start of Olympic basketball tournament. Aron Baynes (208-C/F-86, college: Washington St.) knocked down a late basket to seal the victory for the Boomers in Strasbourg.
The Aussies led throughout the opening quarter. They ensured a 20:16 lead at the first break. The margin grew in the second quarter. Australia accounted for a 40:30 halftime lead. Brad Newley gave the Boomers a 16-point advantage midway through the third term. France managed to narrow the gap at 13-point mark with ten minutes remaining. Les Bleus however denied the deficit in the fourth quarter. Nando De Colo (202-G-87, agency: Arete Sports Agency) drained a triple to level things up at 67 with just over a minute remaining. Aron Baynes put Australia back in front and Tony Parker had a chance to win the game for France. But his three-pointer rimmed out and the Boomers clinched the victory. Joe Ingles (203-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports) posted 16 points for Australia. Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) added 13 points, while Aron Baynes accounted for 11 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Nando De Colo answered with 17 points for France. Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) had 14 points in the loss.

France: Nando De Colo 17, Nicolas Batum 14
Australia: Joe Ingles 16, Patrick Mills 13, Aron Baynes 11+10 boards


Brett Brown adds a Spur to Boomers - by Trent Williams

INJURED star Andrew Bogut (212-C-84, college: Utah) believes Australian coach Brett Brown will try to ensure there was a touch of his NBA team, the San Antonio Spurs, about the Boomers.

Brown is an assistant coach at the Spurs, one of the NBA's most famous franchises, and Bogut approved of him applying aspects of their system to the Boomers because it was simple and effective.

''I haven't worked under Brett but I've worked with him because I have been around the guys and he's basically running the Spurs system with the Boomers,'' Bogut told The Sun-Herald. ''And there is no reason why he wouldn't because they've been the most successful basketball team in the last 15 to 20 years as far as consistency goes. The Spurs are also a frequent play-off team every year and, most times, a championship type of team. It's pretty simple stuff and there is nothing complicated about what he runs.''

Bogut, who was ruled out with an ankle injury, said the Boomers have to capitalise on any opportunity to match the world's best teams - landing three-pointers perhaps the most critical. ''If the three-ball isn't falling we're in trouble,'' Bogut said. ''We need to land our threes for a chance to win games. I'm a firm believer as an Australian team we [also] need to have X-factors of changing the game up at times and jumping the game up.

'We can't play five-on-five, man-to-man and grind out a win because, to be honest, [opposing] teams are much deeper than us and more talented than us at this point. We need to - even with myself in the line-up - jump our games up; press, zone, change our defences and keep them guessing and I think Brett Brown will do that.'' Bogut, who was traded from Milwaukee to San Francisco-based Golden State Warriors, said Australia's hopes in London rested on Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA), Joe Ingles, Matthew Nielsen, Brad Newley and Aleks Maric.

via smh.com.au


36ers sign Petrie - by Hugh McAuliffe

The Adelaide 36ers have secured former Gold Coast Blaze player Anthony Petrie (203-F/C-83) for the next two seasons with an option for a third.

The 203cm big man comes to Adelaide after having a successful season at the Gold Coast Blaze averaging 10.4 points and 5.7 rebounds.

Anthony is known as a hard working player who can move out of the paint and hit shots from long range.

Adelaide 36ers Chief Executive Officer Leeanne Grantham said that it is wonderful to have Anthony Petrie on board.

Anthony has a great reputation throughout the league and we are really pleased to have him at Adelaide for at least the next two seasons.

The Club is focusing on filling the remainder of our roster and we hope to have further announcements in the coming weeks.

The Adelaide 36ers pre-season started this morning, which began the teams crusade to make finals.

The team will be alternating weights, swimming and court work throughout the next few weeks.

Adelaides newest recruit Anthony Petrie said that he is excited to begin pre-season with his new team.

I met my new team mates this morning and I am looking forward to getting to know them better on court as well as off the court.

The Adelaide 36ers have a tough pre-season, with the team being invited to tour China in a four team series in early September.

The team will be playing five games in Shenzhen and Zhongshan against two Chinese teams and Greek team Panioniaos B.C, said Grantham.

Prior to the team heading to China, fans can see the team in action against Nicholls State University on Saturday August 4 at Adelaide Arena for the 7.00pm tip off.

36ers squad to date: Stephen Weigh, Daniel Johnson, Mitch Creek, Nathan Crosswell, Luke Schenscher, Jason Cadee, and Anthony Petrie.



SBL Round 19 - by Hugh McAuliffe

Week 19 of the State Basketball League saw the Wanneroo Wolves secure the minor premiership with Greg Hire (198-F-87, college: Augusta St.) leading the way as the Wolfpack beat the Mandurah Magic and Lakeside Lightning on the weekend as they look to defend last year's SBL championship.

Wanneroo won a thriller 85-83 over the Mandurah Magic on Friday night at Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre with Greg Hire finishing with a massive 34 points and 17 rebounds. Jackson Hussey also had five points for the Wolfpack with Aaron Trahair hitting 20 points for the Magic.

The Perth Redbacks beat the Stirling Senators on Friday night 94-82 at Belmont Oasis with Joel Wagner having 27 points and five assists, and Jarrad Prior 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Redbacks.

The East Perth Eagles won another nail-biter 107-106 over the Goldfields Giants at Neil Hansen Basketball Stadium on Saturday with Jarrod Balcombe scoring 21 points, picking up eight rebounds and dishing out four assists for the Eagles. Drew Williamson also scored 13 points to go with nine assists and five boards.

The Wolves then beat the Andy Stewart coached Lakeside Lightning 82-65 on Saturday night at Joondalup Basketball Stadium. Hire had 14 points, 10 boards and four assists for the Wolfpack with Hussey adding eight points.

The Cockburn Cougars thrashed the Perry Lakes Hawks at Wally Hagan Stadium on Saturday night despite the absence of Damien Scott. Ben Purser had 12 points, six assists, four steals and three rebounds for the Hawks.

The Willetton Tigers had a big 91-56 win over the Perth Redbacks at Willetton Basketball Stadium on Saturday with Rob Cassir scoring seven points and pulling in five rebounds.

The Geraldton Buccaneers beat the Perry Lakes Hawks 87-85 on Sunday at the WA Basketball Centre. Purser had 16 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Hawks.


Big V: Weekend Wrap- Round 17 - by Eurobasket News

With the top four locked in all eyes were on Ringwood and Corio bays match-up, the Wildcats and Falcons faced opponents looking to cause an upset, while Diamond Valley had the chance to show us the goods in a double.
Diamond Valley kick-started a big weekend with a competi-tive 105-99 win over Melbourne in a contest that treated fans to plenty of points and some fantastic individual per-formances. Though both teams will pack their gear away next week, there was plenty to like about this one that featured the Eagles going at a 56% clip and the Tigers at a 53% clip. Best for the victorious Eagles were Adam Moore (198-F-77, college: IPFW) (23pts, 12rbs) and Chris Arkell (20pts), but the big star of the night was Melbournes Andrew Morris with his 32pts, 10rbs, 5ass and 8 treys.
Bulleen ventured to Eltham and continued their ability to put in a competitive performance, but once again they came up short against a better team and, as has been the case for most of the season, the bulk of the load had to be carried by import Corey Standerfer (201-PF, college: York, NB) (25pts, 12rbs). With Cameron Tragardh (209-C/F-83, college: ORU) still sidelined, Eltham turned to Karl Beston (25pts, 10rbs), Matt Fennell (19pts, 14rbs) and Mi-chael Petridis (15pts) to grab the win and cement home-court advantage in the semi-finals.
In the weekends most anticipated game, Ringwood scored win number 12 in a row and in doing so the Hawks left Corio Bay in limbo with respect to which position (and match up) theyll face in the semi finals. Chances are these two could do battle again over the opening fortnight of August and should that eventuate, Ringwoods 85-65 win this time around wont quickly be forgotten, nor will the 25-7 last quarter they finished with. Sharing the love, six Hawks hit double digits, while for the Stingrays it wasnt a surprise to see Jason Reardon (189-G-83) (20pts, 15rbs) and Eric Wil-liams (16pts, 12rbs) leading the way.

Diamond Valley 105 defeated Melbourne 99 Eltham 85 defeated Bulleen 75 Ringwood 85 defeated Corio Bay 65 Waverley 97 defeated Hume City 85 Diamond Valley 90 defeated Sherbrooke 77
Corio Bay has been very good this season, but we cant escape the fact the Stingrays have lost in recent weeks to both Eltham and Ringwood, however they did also get a good win against Waverley. Whichever way the semi-finals come out, the pressure will be on the Sting-rays to match it on the big stage.
Despite their recent coaching change, the Falcons are on the up and secured their third win in four games, pushing them to within sight of finishing third. Credit where credit is due, the Broncos played well in this one and in the end it took a 32-23 last quarter by the Fal-cons to seal the deal. Bennie Lewis (25pts, Ivan Platen-ik (23pts, 12rbs, 5ass) and Daniel Dillon (18pts) all showed their star quality, while for the Broncos the form of Jamal Brown (198-F-78, college: TCU) (29pts, 10rbs) rolled on.
Rounding out the seasons penultimate round, the winning feeling finished where it started with Dia-mond Valley toasting a victory. All up, 43 trips to the foul line by DV proved pivotal in the 90-77 scoreline, as did Chris Arkells 30pts, while Sam Allen, Sam Reyn-olds, Matt Bongetti and Adam Moore also scored in double figures. For the Suns another double-double by Nathan Truman (16pts, 10rbs) was handy, as was Bry-an Moores 15pts and 21rbs.
With 12 successive wins all the talk about titles rests with Ringwood, though it is worth noting that the Hawks have only lost one game this season to another top-four team. That loss came in round five by 22pts to Eltham.
Courtesy of: bigv.com.au


QBL: Players of the Week: Round 10 - by Eurobasket News

Willie Shackleford (197-F-85, college: Martin Methodist) has been named the mens Player of the Week, for his strong performances for the Bundaberg Bulls during their double-header in Brisbane in Round 10. Shackleford shot 28 points and pulled down 23 rebounds in the Bulls 83-60 defeat over the Brisbane Capitals on Saturday night, shooting at 61.9 percent in the field, and also notching up one assist. The forward then went to work the following day against Northside, contributing 17 points and 23 rebounds for Bundaberg, in addition to two assists and four steals however it wasnt enough to get the win for the Bulls, with the Wizards taking the match 79 to 73. Shackleford has been an integral part of the Bulls make-up this season, currently sitting second in the leagues shooters list with an average of 23.9 points per game, and an average of 17.5 rebounds putting him first in the league on boards.
Shackleford took out the Player of the Week award twice in the 2011 QBL season in Round 3 and Round 7, and was named in the 2011 QBL All-League Team, after averaging 22.2 points per game and 17.7 rebounds per game. He was also made Player of the Week in Round 12 and Round 15 in the 2010 season, averaging 20.9 points and 15 rebounds per game during the season. Its the 27 year olds third season with the Bulls, the US import joining the Bundaberg side in 2010 following his four years at Martin Methodist College in Tennessee. His final season with the college saw him lead the TranSouth Athletic Conference league in rebounds, averaging 12.5 per game in 2010, and also led the league in shooting percentages at 61 percent, ranking fifth in the league on points with an average of 16.9 points per game, he had also led the league in rebounding in 2009. Shackleford was selected in the All-TransSouth Team twice, including during his final year at Martin Methodist.
Honourable mentions for the Player of the Week award for Round 10 include Shacklefords Bundaberg Bulls team-mate Rodrick Stewart (193-G-84, college: Kansas), who put up 24 points and pulled six rebounds in the win over Brisbane, before backing up with 31 points and eight rebounds in the loss at the hands of Northside. Rockhampton Rockets player Mitch Philp (184-G-89) came close to a triple-double in their match against Townsville, with 20 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists, in addition to four steals. His team-mate Bradley Williamson (197-F/G-81) was also strong with 28 points, five rebounds and three assists and steals each. James Legan (190-G-87, agency: Court Side, college: E.Carolina) again led the way for Toowoomba with 31 points, despite the Mountaineers conceding their match against the Gold Coast Rollers.

Courtesy of: qbl.basketball.net.au


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  AUSTRIA   


U16 European Championship: Portugal hold off Austria to remain perfect - by Eurobasket News

Portugal U16 - Austria U16 43:40

Portugal kept their record perfect at U16 European Championship in Division B. They celebrated the fifth straight victory beating Austria tonight. Carlos Salamanca (187-G-97) and Luis Camara (194-SF-96) came up with 9 points each to lead the winners. Portugal thus clinched the top position in Group D. Austria fell at 0-5 record after the loss.
Portugal built a 17:8 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Austria stopped the rot in the second quarter. They narrowed the deficit at 5-point mark at halftime 23:18. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the third term. Portugal managed to ensure a 5-point buffer before the final stanza. Austria never got closer than three points in the fourth period and had to surrender at the end. Sergio Brito (190-PG-97) posted 8 points for Portugal. Oscar Schmit (180-PG-97) and Gabriel Lehner (190-SF-96) netted 10 points each for Austria.

Portugal U16: Carlos Salamanca 9, Luis Camara 9, Sergio Brito 8
Austria U16: Oscar Schmit 10, Gabriel Lehner 10


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  BELARUS   


U16 European Championship: The Scandinavian team wins Group A - by Eurobasket News

Belarus U18-Sweden U18 71:78

The Scandinavian team wins Group A of the U16 European Championship in Division B. Sweden needed 78:71 win over Belarus to clinch the top place with 4-0 record. The latter meanwhile finished with 1-3 record on the 4th place in the group.
Belarus surprised the favorites of the group with 24-16 in the first period and led 8 points at the halftime. Anton Karatkevic (192-F-96)h sent the teams to the lockers at 42:34 as he made a dunk. Sweden however erupted with 15-0 run and grabbed 49:42 midway through the third frame. The managed to keep the opponents scoreless for about 7 minutes in the start of the quarter. Mikita Astapenka (198-C-96) meanwhile tied the game at 49:49 and Svanstrom closed the third period at 53:51. Sweden pushed the tempo for good in the last stanza and won the game.
Sheriff Drammeh (186-G-96) top-scored for the winners with 24 points, while Ludvig Swanstrom (196-F-96) collected 17 points and 13 rebounds. Hall Eriksson finished the game with 11 points, while William Skagius (200-PF-96) had 9 points and 13 boards. Maksim Salash (203-C-96) ended up with 21 points in the losing effort and Roman Rubinshteyn (190-PG-96) posted 17. Mikita Astapenka delivered 9, whilst Anton Karatkevic scored 5.

Belarus U18: Maksim Salash 21, Roman Rubinshteyn 17, Mikita Astapenka 9, Anton Karatkevic 5
Sweden U18: Sheriff Drammeh 24, Ludvig Swanstrom 17+13 rebs, Hall Eriksson 11, William Skagius 9+13 rebs


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  BELGIUM   


U16 European Championship: Belgium roll over F.Y.R. of Macedonia to win Group B - by Eurobasket News

F.Y.R. of Macedonia U16-Belgium U16 49:59

Belgium roll over F.Y.R. of Macedonia to win Group B at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Belgian side handed the opponents their first loss at the tournament and sent them to the second place after 59:49 win.
Both teams were the favorites of the group and met each other in the last game. Belgium started the game with 22-13, while F.Y.R. of Macedonia bounced back with 11-4 in the second frame. After 24-24, William Robeyns (191-F-96) gave his side 2-point lead at the halftime. Kristijan Nikolov (185-G-96) scored for 31:29 for F.Y.R. of Macedonia and Clement gave Belgium 40:37 after three quarters. Belgium added 19-12 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Ordane Kanda-Kanyinda (96) stepped up with 16 points for the winners and William Robeyns as well as Rochdi Benzouien (180-PG-96) had 9 each. Mathieu Houdart (194-F-96) followed them with 8 points in a win. Andrej Magdevski (190-G-96) ended up with 20 points and 15 rebounds in defeat as both teams advanced to Elite Eight. Kristijan Nikolov posted 17, while Oliver Dvojakovski (204-C-97) had 6.

F.Y.R. of Macedonia U16: Andrej Magdevski 20+15 rebs, Kristijan Nikolov 17, Oliver Dvojakovski 6
Belgium U16: Ordane Kanda-Kanyinda 16, William Robeyns 9, Rochdi Benzouien 9, Mathieu Houdart 8


Belgium edge Great Britain in Antwerp - by Eurobasket News

Belgium - Great Britain 79:56

Great Britain played their last preparation game before the start of Olympic Games basketball tournament. Great Britain faced Belgium in Antwerp. The hosts claimed a confident victory. Maxime De Zeeuw (205-PF-87) knocked down 15 points to lead the charge.
Belgium secured a confident start. They built a 21:15 lead at the first break. The Lions boosted the lead in the second quarter. They secured a 39:24 halftime advantage. Belgium stayed in charge throughout the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 21 points 58:37. The Lions outscored their opponents in the final frame and sealed a comfortable victory at the end. Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86) provided 13 points for Belgium. Beye Tabu-Eboma (190-PG-85) had 11 points in the victory. Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: G.Washington) answered with 18 points for Great Britain. Eric Boateng (208-C-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona St.) had 12 points and 15 rebounds in the loss.

Belgium: Maxime De Zeeuw 15, Sam Van Rossom 13, Beye Tabu-Eboma 11
Great Britain: Pops Mensah-Bonsu 18, Eric Boateng 12+15 boards


*****************************************************
  BELIZE   


Sprite/ Belikin 3x3 basketball tour travels to Dangriga!!! - by David Magana

This weekend Saturday July 21st the Sprite / Belikin 3x3 basketball tour travels to Dangriga at the Drums of our Father roundabout starting at 9:00 am. The tour is taking shape with winners in the Mens Senior from Belize City, Belmopan and San Ignacio. In Belize the well-experienced seniors including Angus Cherrington and Vince Estrada were victorious while in San Ignacio prime time player Kurt Burgess (196-F) teamed up with three upcoming players Zui Usher, Shelton Defour and Dujon McNAbb. In Belmopan, national team player Darwin Leslie (191-F/G-81) was joined by Leon "Bigs" Williams and Lindbergh "Prince" Graham to take the championship in the Capital City.
Winners of the Men senior in each district receive a $200 cash prize and 4 cases of Belikin products as well as a chance to participate in the finals on August 4th in Belize city at the Riverside Tavern. The overall winner of the Mens tour automatically qualify to participate in the World tour in New York to be held in August 17th & 18th.

In the 3x3 U18 category, national team players Brian White and Tariq Middleton will represent the Belize district in the U 18 finals which will be held at the Riverside Tavern in Belize City on August 4th. They will be going against Christopher Enriquez from Belmopan. National team player Akeem Watters was away this past weekend to challenge in Belmopan. We are curious to see where he will emerge in this tour.
Winners of the U18 category in each district also win a cash prize of $200 and 4 cases of Sprite.

With history showing that Stann Creek as a hotbed for basketball, this upcoming weekend we anticipate the tournament in Dangriga to be hyped in both categories. Stay tuned.


OAK HILLS HIGH SCHOOL BASEKTBALL TEAM TO VISIT BELIZE JULY 21-28!!! - by David Magana

Oak Hills High School Junior Varsity and Varsity basketball teams from Indiana will visit Belize from July 21-28 2012. Working with the CSI Ministries, they will be performing missionary work as well as playing basketball games and conducting camps throughout the country of Belize. See below a schedule for games to be played and camps to be conducted.
On Monday July 23rd Oak Hills HS along with the Belize High School All Stars who played in the King James Classic will host a basketball camp from 9am-10: 30am at Birds Isle for players under 14. The two teams will participate in an Oak Hills practice session that is open to the public. All coaches, players are welcome to attend to learn new drills and plays.
On Monday in Belize City, a U15 selection will play Oak Hills Junior Varsity Team at 6pm. At 7pm the Sadie Vernon HS team that will play in the Codicador Games, will play the Oak Hills Varsity team. The nightcap will be the Belize team that played in the King James Tournament in Ohio vs. the Oak Hills Varsity team. All games in Belize City will be played at Birds Isle.
On Wednesday July 25th at 9am, Oak Hills varsity team will conduct a clinic for players under 14 at Falcon Field in San Ignacio. AT 10am the Oak Hills Junior Varsity team will play a U15 selection from San Ignacio. At 11am the Oak Hills Varsity will play a U17 selection from San Ignacio.
On Wednesday at 6pm in Belmopan at UB gymnasium, a U15 selection of Belmopan will play the Oak Hills Junior Varsity team. At 7pm Galen University basketball team will challenge Oak Hills varsity. At 8pm UB Black Jaguars will compete against Oak Hills Varsity.
On Thursday July 26th at 6pm in Orange Walk at the Orange Walk Sports complex, the Orange Walk Running Rebels U15 team will play Oak Hills junior varsity team followed by the OW Running Rebels U19 vs. the Oak Hills varsity.

For more information, contact Coach Bernie Tarr at the 622-1145.


*****************************************************
  BRAZIL   


The University of Detroit Mercy sign brazilian - by Paulo Freire

The University of Detroit Mercy men's basketball team announced the sign to National Letters of Intent during the first day of the Spring signing. The Titans welcome Gabriel Dos Santos (193-G) (Sarasota, Fla./Impact Basketball Academy) to the roster and the player will enroll in the Fall and continue his athletic career in the 2012-13 season.

Dos Santos hails from Sarasota, Fla. and attended Coral Springs High School before heading to Impact Academy for his final prep campaign. The 6-foot-4 guard is a native of Brazil but has adjusted to the American style of play well as a versatile back court talent that can play either guard spot. He can shoot the three, create off the drive and distribute He poured in 18 points per contest at Impact Academy.

Dos Santos was an All-County selection as a senior at Coral Springs before enrolling at Impact Academy this past fall. He was listed on the "Top 125" in the Hoop Scoop Online list of Florida prospects as a senior.

"He's an all-around skilled guard," McCallum said of Dos Santos' game.

The Titans finished this past season 22-14 overall, winning the Horizon League postseason tournament for its first league title and NCAA Tournament berth since 1999.



Lima and Luisinho agreed with Rio Claro - by Paulo Freire

The ACBD Rio Claro basketball team is working on their roster for the second phase of the Paulista State Championship.
The managers of the team have agreed with two new players to replace their american players.
The point guard Luisinho da Silva (181-G-78) comes in from Araraquara team, the veteran player has been playing in Araraquara for a long time. Luisinho comes in to replace Broderick Gilchrest (182-PG-89, college: Idaho St.) after Broderick has averaging 13.7 points and 2.8 assistance per game while playing 17 games.
ACBD Rio Claro fans also will get to see again the small forward Ulisses Lima (192-F-85) as he is coming back to the team after playing the last NBB for the Tijuca. Lima is coming to replace the guard James Parker (188-G-81, college: Robert Morris) who average 18.5 points, 4.8 rpg and 1.3 apg while playing 19 games for Rio Claro.


Ted Bento goes to Campo Mourao - by Paulo Freire

The small forward Ted Bento (199-F-80) agreed hes transfer to Campo Mourao team.
The veteran player who is 32 years old, with 1, 90 m height and 98 kg has played in many national teams such as Flamengo, Americana, Tijuca besides others.
Ted comes in to bring more experience for the roster, and help the team to win a third Parana State Championship.
The new player talk about his satisfaction to be defending the colors of Campo Mourao basketball "I am very happy to be in Campo Mourao and thankful for the head coach Emerson is believing in my work. I know all the players in the squad and hopefully I can collaborate a lot with the team, helping them to keep winning titles. I know that is a very serious project and it is growing every day ". commented Ted


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  BULGARIA   


Game schedule for European Basketball Tour 2012 in Sofia - by Maria Mitzova

European Basketball Tour 2012 starts on July 24th in Sofia with the participation of host nation Bulgaria, Poland, Turkey and Ukraine.
All the games are played in the new Arena Armeec.

Schedule for European Basketball Tour 2012 games:

24.07

18.00 Bulgaria - Turkey

21.00 Ukraine - Poland

25.07

18.00 Poland - Bulgaria

21.00 Turkey - Ukraine

26.07

18.00 Bulgaria - Ukraine

21.00 Poland - Turkey

All times given in Eastern European Time (+2 GMT)


Devon Van Oostrum in Sofia: Overall Great Britain did alright - by Maria Mitzova

Devon Van Oostrum is considered by many to be one of the top 93' prospects in Europe. The Dutch-born British point guard just got off a stellar performance in the U20 Division B European championship in Sofia, Bulgaria, but that wasn't enough for Team GB to win a promotion as they finished fifth. Van Oostrum averaged 19.6 points, 6.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 36.3 minutes per contest.

About the performance of team Great Britain in Sofia:

We started really well, but we obviously messed up in the game against Finland and after that against the Czech Republic, which more or less cost us the shot at a spot in Division A. From there things went downhill for us, but overall I can say that we did alright.

About the Bulgarian team:

I watched the game of Bulgaria against Poland and I think that they worked really hard in order to win it. Overall as a team they weren't that better than Poland, but as I said they worked harder, they won the game, and after that they won promotion to Division A as they definitely deserved it.

About his future with Caja Laboral:

I don't know what I'll be doing next season, whether I will be with Caja Laboral's first team or maybe going on loan somewhere again like last year. It's more likely to go on loan than to stay with the first team. As of now I know as much as you do.

Interview by Alexander Sotirov, Sportal.bg


U16 European Championship: Denmark closed Group C with the win - by Eurobasket News

Denmark U16-Bulgaria U16 60:57

Denmark outscored Bulgaria in the last game of group C at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team finished the group with 2-2 record on the third place. Bulgaria meanwhile ended up on the fourth place with 1-3 record.
Kelly and Vasilev exchanged the early baskets in the first period. Johannes Nielsen (203-PF-96) meanwhile later made two free throws for 7:4 and Ravn scored for 14:10. Bulgaria bounced back with a 6-0 run that lasted in the start of the second quarter and grabbed 16:14. Denmark however replied with a 9-0 run and took 28:20 advantage at the halftime. It was again Bulgaria that had 25-12 in the third quarter to take 45:40 at the end of three quarters. Denmark however won the last period 20-12 and sealed the victory.
Johannes Nielsen paced all the winners with 16 points and Mads Hansen (194-G-96) nailed 11. Jacob Larsen (204-PF-97) followed the with 9 points in a win. Rumen Vasilev (200-C-96) top-scored for the Bulgarian side with 20 points and Denis Petkov (171-PG-96) notched 12. Alex Ouandie (193-G-96) delivered 9, while Martin Gorunov (197-C-96) added 5.

Denmark U16: Johannes Nielsen 16, Mads Hansen 11, Jacob Larsen 9
Bulgaria U16: Rumen Vasilev 20, Denis Petkov 12, Alex Ouandie 9, Martin Gorunov 5


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  COLOMBIA   


MAGDALENA IS THE NATIONAL U-16 MEN CHAMPION - by Victor Garcia

Magdalena won the National U-16 Men Tournament, playing at home the team of the Colombias North Coast defeated Santander in the final game.
Norte finished in the third place and Meta in the fourth place.
The power houses: Antioquia, Valle and Cundinamarca did not reach a place among the top four.
Yildon Mendoza (Madalena) was the tournament MVP and top scorer, and is the best young player of the country rightnow.
Andrs Ibarguen (Magdalena) was the best rebounder of the tournament.
Hansel Atencia (Santander) was the best three points shooter.
For the Magdalenas coach Alex Vonroestel this is the fifth National Top Five and his second championship

Final Standings:
1- Magdalena
2- Santander
3- Norte
4- Meta

MVP: Yildon Mendoza


Jos Firstman in the New President of the National Federation - by Victor Garcia

Mr Jos Firtsman has been elected as the new president of the Colombian Basketball Federation, Mr Firstman is an entrepreneur with great experience in the events and logistics area, and has been member of the excutive committee for the last two periods, there are great hopes about the Firstman upcoming work.
The arrival of Firstman to the presidency means the end of the Jairo Romeros era , but Romero will remain in the Federation as manager, a new position that looks created to fit Romeros interest to stay involved in the Federation.
Romeros perfomance as president was very controversial, specially because he can not found a sponsor and did not start a National Teams program, there are also critics from many teams about his management of the Federation Cup.


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  CROATIA   


Cedevita returns Bracey Wright - by Eurobasket News

Bracey Wright (191-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Indiana) penned a one-year deal with his former employer Cedevita Zagreb. He will help the team in their debut Euroleague season. Wright arrives to Cedevita from CAI Zaragoza, where he had 14.5 ppg, 3 rpg and 2 apg for 33 Liga Endesa games last season. He was fourth scorer of the competition. Bracey Wright already played for Cedevita and it was in 2010/11. He joined them in January of 2011 averaging 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists for 10 EuroCup games. Wright helped Cedevita to reach the Semifinals of this competition and was named to Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup 3rd Team -11. In Croatian league, the player had 13.7 ppg and 3.6 rpg helping Cedevita to reach the Finals. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com Croatian A1 League All-Imports Team -11. Wright also had 11.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2.5 apg for 11 Adriatic league games. Before Cedevita, Bracey Wright played for Paris-Levallois, Oostende, Joventut, Aris, Florida Flame (NBDL) and Minnesota Timberwolves.


U16 European Championship: Defending champions gain tempo - by Eurobasket News

Croatia U16 - Spain U16 79:67

Croatia earned victory at the start of the second round of U16 European Championship. The defending champions held off Spain in Group E. Lovro Mazalin (198-SF-97) came up with 23 points and 7 rebounds as Croatia improved at 1-2 record in Group E. Spain fell at 2-1 record after the loss.
Croatia and Spain exchanged baskets throughout the opening quarter. The Croats eked out a 22:21 lead ten minutes into the game. They stretched the lead in the second quarter. Croatia ensured a 41:38 halftime advantage. The gap grew in the third quarter. Croatia opened an 11-point lead heading into the fourth stanza. They kept Spain at bay throughout the period and raced to the victory at the end. Ivan Vucic (195-SG-96) had 14 points, while Luka Bozic (188-PG-96) added 13 points and 9 rebounds in the victory. Marc Garcia (194-F-96) answered with 14 points for Spain. Marc Bauza (205-C-96) and Francisco Alonso (188-G-96) netted 10 points each in the loss.

Croatia U16: Lovro Mazalin 23, Ivan Vucic 14, Luka Bozic 13
Spain U16: Marc Garcia 14, Marc Bauza 10, Francisco Alonso 10


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  CYPRUS   


Mike Morrison for Apoel - by Dr. Nasios Orinos

Apoel announces signing of American Mike Morrison (205-F-89, agency: Interperformances, college: George Mason).

Mike is 2.05 cm tall and plays the forward-center position. He is distinguished for his strength and rebound ability.

In 2011-2012 Mike played in the NCAA averaging 10 points and 7 rebounds in 32 games. In April he moved to Anwerp Belgium.

Along with Isaac Wells and Alec Chan are expected to form a deadly blend for Apoel and are expected to add strength under the basket.

Career:
St. Petersburg, FL
2008-2009: George Mason (NCAA): 31 games: 4.0ppg, 2.5rpg :8rrg
2009-2010: George Mason (NCAA, starting five): 30 games: 8.5ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.1apg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 55.7%, FT: 48.5%
2010-2011: George Mason (NCAA, starting five): 34 games: 6.8ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 56.2%, FT: 39.4%
2011-2012: George Mason (NCAA, starting five): 32 games: 9.8ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.4apg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 59.0%, FT: 55.0%, in Apr.'12 joined Port of Antwerp Giants (Belgium-D1): 7 games: 2.7ppg, 3.0rpg


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


U16 European Championship: England celebrate first win - by Eurobasket News

England U16 - Czech Republic U16 86:77

England earned the first win at the U16 European Championship. They knocked down Czech Republic in classification round Group G. Jules Akodo (G-96) knocked down 16 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and issued 7 assists to lead Great Britain.
England fired 27 points in the first term to take a 3-point lead. England maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They limited the Czech team to 12 points in the period to ensure a 45:36 halftime advantage. Czech Republic took over in the third quarter. They limited the English team to 11 points in the third stanza and got within two points at the final intermission 54:56. England opened the final frame on a 6:2 run to clear off. The margin grew at 12-point mark midway through the fourth term and never looked back en route to the victory. Ikponmwosa Oghide (96) posted 15 points, while Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye (191-SG-96) and Joe Mvuezolo (193-SF-96) posted 11 points each for the winners. Matej Svoboda (200-PF-96) answered with 23 points for Czech Republic. David Pekarek (195-SF-96) had 11 points in the loss.

England U16: Jules Akodo 16, Ikponmwosa Oghide 15, Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye 11, Joe Mvuezolo 11
Czech Republic U16: Matej Svoboda 23, David Pekarek 11


BK Usti nad Labem strenghtened its roster - by Matt Haufer

SLUNETA Usti nad Labem announced several off-season moves: They signed point guard Al Nolen (185-G-89, agency: Fierce Sports Management, college: Minnesota) to be the successor to Mattoni NBL Player of the Year Thad McFadden. The former University of Minnesota floor general last played in the German BBL for LTi Giessen 46ers and had a stint in the NBA D-League before that. He is more of a pass-first type of playmaker than the high-scoring McFadden.
Also, elegant wing player Brad Reese (198-F-88, college: Texas Tech) will be back for a second season in Usti. He averaged 12.9ppg, 5.8rpg and 0.9bpg in 2011/2012 and his numbers should go up with more experience in Europe and a full preseason.


*****************************************************
  DENMARK   


U16 European Championship: Denmark closed Group C with the win - by Eurobasket News

Denmark U16-Bulgaria U16 60:57

Denmark outscored Bulgaria in the last game of group C at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team finished the group with 2-2 record on the third place. Bulgaria meanwhile ended up on the fourth place with 1-3 record.
Kelly and Vasilev exchanged the early baskets in the first period. Johannes Nielsen (203-PF-96) meanwhile later made two free throws for 7:4 and Ravn scored for 14:10. Bulgaria bounced back with a 6-0 run that lasted in the start of the second quarter and grabbed 16:14. Denmark however replied with a 9-0 run and took 28:20 advantage at the halftime. It was again Bulgaria that had 25-12 in the third quarter to take 45:40 at the end of three quarters. Denmark however won the last period 20-12 and sealed the victory.
Johannes Nielsen paced all the winners with 16 points and Mads Hansen (194-G-96) nailed 11. Jacob Larsen (204-PF-97) followed the with 9 points in a win. Rumen Vasilev (200-C-96) top-scored for the Bulgarian side with 20 points and Denis Petkov (171-PG-96) notched 12. Alex Ouandie (193-G-96) delivered 9, while Martin Gorunov (197-C-96) added 5.

Denmark U16: Johannes Nielsen 16, Mads Hansen 11, Jacob Larsen 9
Bulgaria U16: Rumen Vasilev 20, Denis Petkov 12, Alex Ouandie 9, Martin Gorunov 5


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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   

Standings - District National

LNB Standings
North Division
 1. Indios SF 3-1 
 2. Metros 2-2 
 3. Huracanes 2-2 
 4. Reales 1-3 
South Division
 1. Caneros 4-0 
 2. Titanes 2-2 
 3. Cocolos 1-3 
 4. Leones SD 1-3 

Regular Season: Round 3

Jul. 20: Caneros - Titanes 94-81
Jul. 22: Metros - Huracanes 91-92
Jul. 22: Cocolos - Titanes 88-90
Jul. 21: Reales - Indios SF 85-95
Jul. 20: Indios SF - Metros 82-77
Jul. 21: Leones SD - Caneros 59-70

Regular Season: Round 4

Jul. 24: Metros - Indios SF
Jul. 24: Titanes - Caneros
Jul. 25: Cocolos - Leones SD
Jul. 25: Huracanes - Reales


Gran Canaria inks 3-year deal with F Eulis Baez - by Eurobasket News

Eulis Baez (198-F-82, college: W.Illinois) is a new member of Gran Canaria. Dominican Republic National Team forward penned a 3-year deal with Granca. He arrives to the club from Joventut Badalona, where he had 9.5 ppg and 5.2 rpg in 24 Liga Endesa games last season. Baez played for Valladolid from 2009 until the last summer. He had 9.1 ppg and 5.2 rpg for them in their second season together. In 2008/09, the forward played for LEB Gold team Vic. He also has experience from Western Illinois University, Florida International University and Southeastern Community College. Eulis Baez is active member of Dominican Republic NT since 2006. He had 9 ppg and 4 rpg for 5 games at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas. Last summer, Baez led Dominican Republic to Gold at Centrobasket in San Juan. They also grabbed bronze medals at FIBA Americas in Mar del Plata and Marchand Cup in Foz de Iguazu.


Caneros are unbeaten after 3 rounds of LNB - by Eurobasket News

2012 LNB season started a week ago. Three rounds are already played and Caneros are the only undefeated team with 4-0 record in Group South. In the latest game, which was played on Saturday, Caneros handed 70-59 loss to Leones. Edward Santana (203-F-80, agency: Regeneracom Sports) was the leading player in victory with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Luis Manuel Martinez helped with 18 points and 5 boards, while Jose Olivero (186-PG-85, college: Lehigh) added 11 points and also 5 rebs to this win. In the loosing squad, Heissler Guillent (186-PG-86, agency: Paris Global Sports) and Elpidio Fortuna (188-G-85) (6 rebs) scored 14 and 13 points respectively. Caneros were 6-points up at the halftime and jumped to double digit lead with 10 remaining in the game. Leones were not able to reply and faced with third loss this season (1-3).
Indios are the leader of Group Notrth at the moment. They registered 3 wins out of 4 games.

Regular Season - Round 1
Jul. 13, 2012 Titanes-Leones SD 73-70
Jul. 13, 2012 Metros-Reales 82-77
Jul. 14, 2012 Cocolos-Caneros 77-93
Jul. 14, 2012 Huracanes-Indios SF 80-98
Jul. 15, 2012 Huracanes-Metros 94-97
Jul. 15, 2012 Titanes-Cocolos 82-83

Regular Season - Round 2
Jul. 17, 2012 Caneros-Leones SD 96-95
Jul. 17, 2012 Indios SF-Reales 93-98
Jul. 18, 2012 Leones SD-Cocolos 109-99
Jul. 18, 2012 Reales-Huracanes 82-88

Regular Season - Round 3
Jul. 20, 2012 Caneros-Titanes 94-81
Jul. 20, 2012 Indios SF-Metros 82-77
Jul. 21, 2012 Leones SD-Caneros 59-70
Jul. 21, 2012 Reales-Indios SF 85-95
Jul. 22, 2012 Cocolos-Titanes 88-90
Jul. 22, 2012 Metros-Huracanes 91-92

Regular Season - Round 4
Jul. 24, 2012 Metros-Indios SF
Jul. 24, 2012 Titanes-Caneros
Jul. 25, 2012 Cocolos-Leones SD
Jul. 25, 2012 Huracanes-Reales


Dilone out, Garcia in! - by Oscar Peralta

Reales de La Vega have made a major move by sacking coach Jose Dilonesafter a 1-3 start. The team felt they needed to go in another direction. They now hire Jose Garcia to try and go in a more positive direction. Garcia has a lot to proove after not having a such great season with Sameji in the Santiago league. the team is desperate to get in track after last year they held the first place all season. The team might also shake upthe roster in order to get better results.


Dilone out, Garcia in! - by Oscar Peralta

Reales de La Vega have made a major move by sacking coach Jose Dilone after a 1-3 start. The team felt they needed to go in another direction. They now hire Jose Calcano Garcia to try and go in a more positive direction. Garcia has a lot to proove after not having a such great season with Sameji in the Santiago league. the team is desperate to get in track after last year they held the first place all season. The team might also shake up the roster in order to get better results.


Dilone out, Garcia in! - by Oscar Peralta

Reales de La Vega have made a major move by sacking coach Jose Dilonesafter a 1-3 start. The team felt they needed to go in another direction. They now hire Jose Garcia to try and go in a more positive direction. Garcia has a lot to proove after not having a such great season with Sameji in the Santiago league. the team is desperate to get in track after last year they held the first place all season. The team might also shake upthe roster in order to get better results.


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  ESTONIA   


U16 European Championship: The hosts taste the first success in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

Estonia U16-Romania U16 53:59

The hosts taste the first success in Bucharest at the U16 European Championship in Division B. Romania won 59:53 as both teams finished the group with 1-3 records and will continue at the Classification Round.
Romania was happy to take 22:13 lead after the first 10 minutes in the game. The guests however were too far to give up. Lips reduced to 27:31 and Karl-Robin Jurjens (199-F-96) cut it to 36:39 early in the third. Moreover Marko Meimer (199-F-96, agency: FCM) tied the game at 40:40, while Emanuel Cate (201-C-97) scored for 46:45 after three quarters. Romania led in the whole fourth quarter and won the initial game at the tournament.
Robert Tanasie (96) top-scored for the winners with 23 points, while Marius Ciotlaus (194-SF-96) posted 10. Emanuel Cate delivered 9 and Caius-Gabriel Covrig (179-PG-96) netted 8. Karl-Robin Jurjens answered with 18 points for the Baltic State and Jaagup Russak (179-G-96) scored 14. Marko Meimer followed the with 12 points in the losing effort.

Estonia U16: Karl-Robin Jurjens 18, Jaagup Russak 14, Marko Meimer 12
Romania U16: Robert Tanasie 23, Marius Ciotlaus 10, Emanuel Cate 9, Caius-Gabriel Covrig 8


Netherlands U18 hand two defeats to Estonia U18 - by Eurobasket News

Estonian and Dutch U18 National Teams played two friendlies in Tallinn. Netherlands claimed back-to-back victories.
The first game ended with Netherlands claiming a 69:62 victory. Shane Hammink (198-G-94) delivered 24 points to pace the visitors. Netherlands jumped to a 25:13 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the lead to as many as 15 points at the final intermission. Estonia trimmed the deficit in the final frame but came up short of victory at the end. Mike Schilder (183-PG-94, agency: Court Side) delivered 13 points for Netherlands. Floris Versteeg (200-F-94) had 8 points in the victory. Martin Jurtom (198-F-94) answered with 19 points for Estonia. Hendrik Ruut (190-G-94) had 18 points in the loss.
Next game was once again dominated by the Dutch team. They earned a 30:26 halftime lead. Estonia pulled ahead in the third quarter. The Baltic team eked out a 46:44 advantage with one quarter remaining. But the Dutchmen went on a stunning 30:6 run in the final frame to seal a 74:52 win at the end. Mike Schilder stepped up with 18 points for Netherlands. Shane Hammink added 14 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Tiit Talumaa (198-F-94) answered with 15 points for Estonia. Sten Olmre (192-G-95) delivered 11 points for the hosts.


*****************************************************
  EUROCUP   


Dinamo Sassari extends PG Mauro Pinton for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Dinamo Sassari officially announced signing of a 1-year contract extension with Mauro Pinton (185-PG-84, agency: Two Points). It will be their third straight season together. In the latest one the Italian point guard had 3.4 ppg and 1.1 apg in 34 SerieA games. Dinamo Sassari reached Playoff Semifinals and will compete in EuroCup next season. In 2010/11, Pinton had 3.7 ppg and 1.3 apg for 31 games.
Mauro Pinton won LegaDue title with Enel Brindisi in 2010. He had 4.8 ppg and 2 apg for the club in 29 games. From 2006 to 2009, the PG played for Rimini and year before that he spent with Montegranaro, but missed most of the season due to injury. Pinton also has experience from Imola, Caserta and Mestre.
Few days ago, Dinamo Sassari extended deal with team captain Manuel Vanuzzo (203-F-75).


Buducnost Voli confirms signing of Bulgarian top prospect Pavlin Ivanov and Serbian Dusko Bunic - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Buducnost Voli officially confirmed singing Pavlin Ivanov (195-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) and Dusko Bunic (207-C-89, agency: Beo Basket).
Pavlin Ivanov led Bulgaria to Gold medal last summer at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Varna. He exploded with 18.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 2 spg for 7 games at this event. Ivanov was named MVP of the championship. In 2009, he was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U16 Division B Best Guard. At this event Bulgaria also won the Gold and Ivanov had 23.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.4 apg and 2.9 spg. Pavlin Ivanov just played for the Bulgarian U20 NT at U20 EuroBasket Division B averaging 17.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists. Last few years Ivanov spent with Benetton Treviso junior team.
Dusko Bunic played last season for Vojvodina Novi Sad and helped them reach the Playoff Semifinals in Serbia. He had 12.7 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 42 games. In 2010/11, Bunic shined with 16.6 ppg and 5.4 rpg for 26 games with Novi Sad. Bunic is a member of Serbian University National Team.


*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE   


Panathinaikos tab Roko-Leni Ukic - by Eurobasket News

Panathinaikos officially announced the arrival of Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84). The guard has agreed on terms of two-year contract with the Greek powerhouse. The Croatian player spent the last two and a half seasons in Turkey. He played for Fenerbahce Ulker. Last season Roko-Leni Ukic tallied 11.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in Euroleague. In TBL his stats read 11.9 points, 4.0 assists and 2.8 rebounds per appearance. Eurobasket.com named Roko-Leni Ukic All-Turkish League Bosman Player of the Year in 2011. Previously the Croat had stints with Milwaukee Bucks, Lottomatica Roma, Toronto Raptors, Barcelona, Tau Ceramica, KK Split. He played for U18 Croatian National Team. Roko-Leni Ukic has been the member of Croatian National Team since 2002.


Unics signs 2-year deal with Pavel Antipov - by Eurobasket News

Unics Kazan officially announced signing of Pavel Antipov (203-F-91) for the next two years. The Russian forward heads to his new team from Spartak St. Petersburg, where he played just 12 games last season in Russian league, VTB and EuroCup. Antipov also played for their U23 team. Pavel Antipov joined Spartak in 2009 from Samara. In their first year together Antipov mostly played for U23 team. In 2010/11, he was loaned to Nizhny Novgorod, but had very limited playing time.
Pavel Antipov played for the Russian U20 NT last summer. He had 9.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 9 games at U20 EuroBasket in Bilbao. They reached Semifinals. Antipov also played at U20 EuroBasket in Croatia two years ago. In the past, he was a member of U18 and U16 Russia. With U18 NT the player exploded at 2009 EuroBasket in Metz. He had 21.7 ppg and 10 rpg for 3 games at this event.


The ''who is who'' of new Panathinaikos guard, Roko Ukic - by Diamadis Farmakis

Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84) (born December 5, 1984) is a Croatian professional basketball, who mainly plays at the point guard position, but he can also play at the shooting guard position. He is 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) tall and he weighs 190 lb (86 kg).

**He began playing basketball for the youth clubs of KK Split in 1992. He competed on cadet and junior teams for the club, winning the national youth championship twice with the cadet team and earning the MVP award of the Croat cadet championship in 2000

**In 2005, he was drafted by the NBA's Toronto Raptors in the second round, 41st pick overall, after averaging 18.5 points and 4.3 assists in 35.2 minutes for KK Split in the Adriatic League.

**After spending a season with Baskonia in 2005, he moved to Spanish League rivals FC Barcelona in the summer of 2006, where he also held the backup position at point guard.

**In the summer of 2007, he moved to the Italian League team Virtus Roma on a loan deal, where he was coached by his mentor and Croatian national basketball team coach Jasmin Repea. Ukic then left Europe and moved to the NBA.

**After being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks during his second NBA season, in January 2010, Ukic returned to Europe when he moved to the Turkish League club Fenerbahe lker. He signed a two year contract on June 17, 2010.

**On July 16, 2008, Ukic agreed to a three year deal with the NBA's Toronto Raptors. During his first NBA season he appeared in 72 games as a backup at point guard to his former Saski Baskonia teammate Jos Caldern, wearing jersey #1 for the Raptors. In 12.4 minutes of play, he averaged 4.2 points and 2.1 assists with a career highs of 22 points on February 22, 2009, against the San Antonio Spurs and 10 assists on March 27, 2009, against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

**On August 18, 2009, Ukic was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, along with Carlos Delfino, in exchange for Amir Johnson and Sonny Weems.[7] On January 4, 2010, he was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks at his own request, because he wasn't satisfied with his role on the team.

**He has also been a member of the senior Croatian national basketball team. He has played with Croatia's senior national team at the EuroBasket 2005, the EuroBasket 2007, the 2008 Olympics, and the EuroBasket 2009. At the EuroBasket 2009, he averaged 13.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.

KK Split (200005) Croatian Championship: 2003
Kreimir Nosic Cup: 2004

Saski Baskonia (2005-06) Spanish Cups: 2006
Spanish Supercups: 2005, 2006

Barcelona (2006-07) Spanish Cups: 2007

Fenerbahe lker (2010-...) Turkish Basketball League: 2009-10, 2010-11
Turkish Cup: 2009-10, 2010


Cedevita returns Bracey Wright - by Eurobasket News

Bracey Wright (191-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Indiana) penned a one-year deal with his former employer Cedevita Zagreb. He will help the team in their debut Euroleague season. Wright arrives to Cedevita from CAI Zaragoza, where he had 14.5 ppg, 3 rpg and 2 apg for 33 Liga Endesa games last season. He was fourth scorer of the competition. Bracey Wright already played for Cedevita and it was in 2010/11. He joined them in January of 2011 averaging 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists for 10 EuroCup games. Wright helped Cedevita to reach the Semifinals of this competition and was named to Eurobasket.com All-EuroCup 3rd Team -11. In Croatian league, the player had 13.7 ppg and 3.6 rpg helping Cedevita to reach the Finals. He was awarded with Eurobasket.com Croatian A1 League All-Imports Team -11. Wright also had 11.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2.5 apg for 11 Adriatic league games. Before Cedevita, Bracey Wright played for Paris-Levallois, Oostende, Joventut, Aris, Florida Flame (NBDL) and Minnesota Timberwolves.


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16   

M-Standings - Group A

Standings
Group E
1. Italy3-0
2. Spain2-1
3. Turkey2-1
4. Ukraine1-2
5. Croatia1-2
6. Latvia0-3
Group F
1. France2-1
2. Germany2-1
3. Serbia2-1
4. Greece1-2
5. Lithuania1-2
6. Poland1-2
Group G (places 13-16)
1. U.Kingdom1-0
2. Russia1-0
3. Slovenia0-1
4. Czech Rep.0-1

Second Stage: Round 4

E

Jul. 23: CRO - ESP 79-67
Jul. 23: LAT - ITA 67-76
Jul. 23: UKR - TUR 57-72

F

Jul. 23: POL - GER 80-63
Jul. 23: LTU - FRA 56-51
Jul. 23: GRE - SRB 53-62

G

Jul. 23: ENG - CZE 86-77
Jul. 23: RUS - SLO 71-63

Second Stage: Round 5

E

Jul. 24: LAT - CRO
Jul. 24: ITA - UKR
Jul. 24: TUR - ESP

F

Jul. 24: GER - GRE
Jul. 24: POL - LTU
Jul. 24: SRB - FRA

G

Jul. 24: SLO - ENG
Jul. 24: CZE - RUS


M-Standings - Group B

Standings Div.B
Group E
1. Belgium1-0
2. Sweden1-0
3. Israel0-1
4. FYR Macedon.0-1
Group F
1. Montenegro1-0
2. Portugal1-0
3. Bosnia0-1
4. Hungary0-1
Group G (places 9-16)
1. Denmark1-0
2. Finland1-0
3. Belarus0-1
4. Bulgaria0-1
Group H (places 9-16)
1. Georgia1-0
2. Switzerland1-0
3. Holland0-1
4. Romania0-1
Group I (places 17-21)
1. Luxembourg0-0
2. Slovakia0-0
Group J (places 17-21)
1. Norway1-0
2. Estonia0-0
3. Austria0-1

Preliminary Round: Round 5

A

Jul. 23: BLR - SWE 71-78
Jul. 23: FIN - ISR 52-53

B

Jul. 23: DEN - BUL 60-57
Jul. 23: MKD - BEL 49-59

C

Jul. 23: EST - ROM 53-59
Jul. 23: GEO - MNT 48-73

D

Jul. 23: SUI - HUN 46-65
Jul. 23: POR - AUT 43-40
Jul. 23: NOR - NED 41-64

Preliminary Round: Round 6

E

Jul. 25: SWE - MKD
Jul. 25: ISR - BEL

F

Jul. 25: MNT - HUN
Jul. 25: BIH - POR

G

Jul. 25: FIN - BUL
Jul. 25: BLR - DEN

H

Jul. 25: GEO - NED
Jul. 25: ROM - SUI

I

Jul. 25: LUX - SVK

J

Jul. 25: AUT - EST


Second Round starts in Latvia and Lithuania - by Eurobasket News

Group E
Croatia - Spain 79-67
Croatia earned victory at the start of the second round of U16 European Championship. The defending champions held off Spain in Group E. Lovro Mazalin (198-SF-97) came up with 23 points and 7 rebounds as Croatia improved at 1-2 record in Group E. Spain fell at 2-1 record after the loss. Croatia and Spain exchanged baskets throughout the opening quarter. The Croats eked out a 22:21 lead ten minutes into the game. They stretched the lead in the second quarter. Croatia ensured a 41:38 halftime advantage. The gap grew in the third quarter. Croatia opened an 11-point lead heading into the fourth stanza. They kept Spain at bay throughout the period and raced to the victory at the end. Ivan Vucic (195-SG-96) had 14 points, while Luka Bozic added 13 points and 9 rebounds in the victory. Marc Garcia (194-F-96) answered with 14 points for Spain. Marc Bauza and Francisco Alonso netted 10 points each in the loss.

Ukraine - Turkey 57-72
Turkey clinched the opening win at the Second Round of U16 European Championship. They outscored Ukraine in Ventspils. Turkey thus improved at 2-1 record, while Ukraine slipped at 1-2 in Group E. Akif Guven (206-C-96) accounted for 15 points to pace the winners. Turkey held Ukraine to 9 points in the starting quarter to take a 2-point lead. Turkey stayed aggressive defensively. They ensured a 23:19 halftime advantage. Turkey increased the tempo in the third quarter. They unloaded 26 points in the third frame to pile up a 7-point lead at the final intermission. Turkey kept Ukraine at bay throughout the fourth frame cruising to the victory at the end. Mehmet Alemdaroglu (205-F-96) accounted for 14 points, while Okben Ulubay and Tolga Gecim netted 9 points each for the winners. Yevgen Balaban (198-PF-96) answered with 14 points for Ukraine. Sergii Pryimak had 13 points in the losing case.

Latvia - Italy 67-76
Italy improved at 3-0 record in Group E at the Second Stage of U16 European Championship. Pierfrancesco Oliva (200-SF-96) scored 23 points, grabbed 16 boards and dished out 6 assists to lead Italy to the fourth straight win at the tournament. Latvia fell at 0-3 record in the ladder. Italy jumped to an early lead. They recorded a 20:14 lead at the first intermission. Latvia cut the deficit in the second quarter. They narrowed the deficit to a single point at halftime 35:36. The Baltic team surged ahead in the third term. Latvia used an 11:3 run midway through the period to take a 53:45 lead. Latvia earned a 57:49 advantage with one quarter remaining. Italy opened the fourth frame with a 9:2 rally to narrow the gap. The Azzurri capped regulation with a 17:4 run to seal the victory at the end. Riccardo Rossato (189-PG-96) accounted for 18 points, while Federico Mussini added 14 points in the victory. Rauls Avenitis (180-PG-96) answered with 28 points for Latvia. Rinalds Malmanis and Ervins Meznieks had 10 points each in the loss.

Group F
Poland - Germany 80-63
Poland celebrated the first win at the second round of U16 European Championship. They defeated previously unbeaten Germany to improve at 2-1 record in Group F. Marek Zywert (185-SG-96) came up with 22 points to lead the winners. Germany fell at 2-1 record after the loss. Germany accounted for a 16:15 lead at the first break. But Poland changed the complexion of the encounter in the second quarter. They exploded with 30 points to secure a 15-point halftime lead 45:30. Poland maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They established a 16-point advantage at the final intermission. Poland did not slow down in the fourth frame and rallied to a comfortable win at the end. Filip Pruefer (208-C-96) provided 14 points and 10 rebounds for Poland. Artur Wlodarczyk added 13 points in the victory. Jan Wimberg (202-G-96) answered with 14 points for Germany. Niklas Kiel provided 12 points in the loss.

Lithuania - France 56-51
Lithuania registered the first win at the Second Stage of U16 European Championship. They defeated France in Group F. Tautvydas Paliukenas (192-SF-96) scored 14 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead the charge. France suffered the first defeat at the tournament. Lithuania and France stayed close throughout the opening quarter. They were tied at 11 after ten minutes. Lithuania pulled in front in the second frame. The Baltic team gained a 29:25 halftime lead. Lithuania boosted the lead in the third quarter. They held France to 8 points in the frame to secure an 11-point lead at the final intermission. France got within two points with under two minutes remaining. But Raimundas Zuklevicius and Tautvydas Paliukenas notched 5 points in a row and Lithuania hang on for the win at the end. Domantas Sabonis (199-PF-96) posted 13 points and 11 rebounds for Lithuania. Raimundas Zuklevicius had 9 points in the victory. Antoine Wallez (202-PF-96) answered with 21 points for France. Etienne Ory netted 9 points in the losing case.

Greece - Serbia 53-62
Serbia celebrated the first win at the second round of U16 European Championship. They overcame Greece in Group F. The victory propelled Serbia at 2-1 record, while Greece slipped at 1-2. The teams stayed close throughout the opening frame. The scoreboard read 16:16 after ten minutes. Greece pulled in front in the second quarter. The Hellenes accumulated a 31:29 halftime lead. Serbia however bounced back in the third term. They stiffened defence and held Greece to just 4 points in the quarter. Serbia earned a 41:35 lead at the final break. Greece got within two points with just over two minutes remaining. Jovan Starincevic (188-PG-96) and Nikola Pavlovic (199-PF-96) stepped up for Serbia at the moment and helped the team to snatch a tough win at the end. Jovan Starincevic accounted for 12 points for Serbia. Nikola Pavlovic added 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Stefan Lazarevic had 9 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Greece answered with 17 points from Dimitrios Stamatis (192-G-96). Vasileios Charalampopoulos netted 10 points in the loss.

Group G
United Kingdom - Czech Republic 86-77
England earned the first win at the U16 European Championship. They knocked down Czech Republic in classification round Group G. Jules Akodo (G-96) knocked down 16 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and issued 7 assists to lead Great Britain. England fired 27 points in the first term to take a 3-point lead. England maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They limited the Czech team to 12 points in the period to ensure a 45:36 halftime advantage. Czech Republic took over in the third quarter. They limited the English team to 11 points in the third stanza and got within two points at the final intermission 54:56. England opened the final frame on a 6:2 run to clear off. The margin grew at 12-point mark midway through the fourth term and never looked back en route to the victory. Ikponmwosa Oghide (96) posted 15 points, while Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye and Joe Mvuezolo posted 11 points each for the winners. Matej Svoboda (200-PF-96) answered with 23 points for Czech Republic. David Pekarek had 11 points in the loss.

Russia - Slovenia 71-63
Russia celebrated the first win at the U16 European Championship. They fired past Slovenia in the classification round. Stepan Getmanov (196-PF-96) accounted for 15 points in the victory. Russia stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. They outscored Slovenia 26:12 in the first ten minutes. Russia maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They posted a 40:25 halftime lead. Russia stayed in control in the third term. They opened a 22-point advantage with one quarter to go. Slovenia however refused to surrender. They went on a 24:10 rally but came up short of the victory at the end. Ilya Karpenkov (200-C-97) delivered 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Maxim Morozov had 11 points in the winning case. Nejc Zupan (203-PG-96) answered with 16 points for Slovenia. Domen Janc netted 13 points in the loss.


The End of Preliminary Round in Division B - by Eurobasket News

Group A
Finland - Israel 52-53
Israel grabs the last ticket to Elite Eight of the U16 European Championship. The Israeli team grabbed 53:52 win over Finland and sent them to the Classification Round for 9-16 places. Israel finished second with 3-1 record, while Finland dropped to the third place with 2-2 record. Israel started with 4-0 run and Blatt later scored for 9:4. Henri Niemisto (194-G-96) closed the period with a three-pointer for 14:12 and Nieminen made a dunk for 17:14 early in the second. Finland won the second period 10-6 and led 22:20 at the halftime. The battle continued in the third quarter and the squads exchanged the lead several times. Israel took the narrow lead at the end of the third period and never looked behind after. Huber made two free throws for 39:37 after thirty minutes and Tessone later brought 53:50. Henri Niemisto made the same for the Finnish side, but those points were the last in the game. Tessone led the way with 12 points and Huber added 10. Avichai Ben David (185-F-96) notched 9, while Blatt scored 8. Aapeli Alanen (197-F-96) finished the game with 16 points, while Henri Niemisto added 9. Eerikinharju posted 8 and Hirvonen had 6.

Belarus - Sweden 71-78
The Scandinavian team wins Group A of the U16 European Championship in Division B. Sweden needed 78:71 win over Belarus to clinch the top place with 4-0 record. The latter meanwhile finished with 1-3 record on the 4th place in the group. Belarus surprised the favorites of the group with 24-16 in the first period and led 8 points at the halftime. Karatkevich sent the teams to the lockers at 42:34 as he made a dunk. Sweden however erupted with 15-0 run and grabbed 49:42 midway through the third frame. The managed to keep the opponents scoreless for about 7 minutes in the start of the quarter. Mikita Astapenka (198-C-96) meanwhile tied the game at 49:49 and Svanstrom closed the third period at 53:51. Sweden pushed the tempo for good in the last stanza and won the game. Sheriff Drammeh (186-G-96) top-scored for the winners with 24 points, while Svanstrom collected 17 points and 13 rebounds. Hall Eriksson finished the game with 11 points, while Skagius had 9 points and 13 boards. Maksim Salash (203-C-96) ended up with 21 points in the losing effort and Rubinshteyn posted 17. Mikita Astapenka delivered 9, whilst Karatkevich scored 5.

Group B
Denmark - Bulgaria 60-57
Denmark outscored Bulgaria in the last game of group C at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team finished the group with 2-2 record on the third place. Bulgaria meanwhile ended up on the fourth place with 1-3 record. Kelly and Vasilev exchanged the early baskets in the first period. Johannes Nielsen (203-PF-96) meanwhile later made two free throws for 7:4 and Ravn scored for 14:10. Bulgaria bounced back with a 6-0 run that lasted in the start of the second quarter and grabbed 16:14. Denmark however replied with a 9-0 run and took 28:20 advantage at the halftime. It was again Bulgaria that had 25-12 in the third quarter to take 45:40 at the end of three quarters. Denmark however won the last period 20-12 and sealed the victory. Johannes Nielsen paced all the winners with 16 points and Hansen nailed 11. Larsen followed them with 9 points in a win. Rumen Vasilev (200-C-96) top-scored for the Bulgarian side with 20 points and Petkov notched 12. Alex Ouandie (193-G-96) delivered 9, while Gorunov added 5.

FYR Macedonia - Belgium 49-59
Belgium roll over F.Y.R. of Macedonia to win Group B at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Belgian side handed the opponents their first loss at the tournament and sent them to the second place after 59:49 win. Both teams were the favorites of the group and met each other in the last game. Belgium started the game with 22-13, while F.Y.R. of Macedonia bounced back with 11-4 in the second frame. After 24-24, William Robeyns (191-F-96) gave his side 2-point lead at the halftime. Nikolov scored for 31:29 for F.Y.R. of Macedonia and Clement gave Belgium 40:37 after three quarters. Belgium added 19-12 in the last stanza to seal the victory. Ordane Kanda-Kanyinda (96) stepped up with 16 points for the winners and William Robeyns as well as Benzouien had 9 each. Houdart followed them with 8 points in a win. Magdevski ended up with 20 points and 15 rebounds in defeat as both teams advanced to Elite Eight. Nikolov posted 17, while Oliver Dvojakovski (204-C-97) had 6.

Group C
Estonia - Romania 53-59
The hosts taste the first success in Bucharest at the U16 European Championship in Division B. Romania won 59:53 as both teams finished the group with 1-3 records and will continue at the Classification Round. Romania was happy to take 22:13 lead after the first 10 minutes in the game. The guests however were too far to give up. Lips reduced to 27:31 and Karl-Robin Jurjens (199-F-96) cut it to 36:39 early in the third. Moreover Marko Meimer (199-F-96, agency: FCM) tied the game at 40:40, while Cate scored for 46:45 after three quarters. Romania led in the whole fourth quarter and won the initial game at the tournament. Tanasie top-scored for the winners with 23 points, while Marius Ciotlaus (194-SF-96) posted 10. Cate delivered 9 and Covrig netted 8. Karl-Robin Jurjens answered with 18 points for the Baltic State and Russak scored 14. Marko Meimer followed the with 12 points in the losing effort.

Georgia - Montenegro 48-73
Montenegro triumphs in Group C of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team outscored Georgia 73:48 for 4-0 record. Georgia finished with 2-2 record and could not make it in Elite Eight. Both teams nailed 15 points each in the opening period, but Georgia could not match the favorites later in the game. Montenegro proved their ambitions for the high places and needed 21-14 in the second period to take 36:29 lead at the halftime. The third quarter was a nightmare for the Georgian team that scored only 4 points. Montenegro erupted with 19-4 and then added 18-15 in the last stanza. Aleksandar Novosel (185-PG-96) paced all the winners with 16 points, while Popovic scored 15. Aleksandar Dozic (199-F-96) collected 12 points and 10 rebounds, whilst Vasilije Knezevic (200-C-96) and Radunovic added 10 apiece. Soso Matchavariani (196-SF-96) finished the game with 11 points in defeat and Bobilev posted 10.

Group D
Portugal - Austria 43-40
Portugal kept their record perfect at U16 European Championship in Division B. They celebrated the fifth straight victory beating Austria tonight. Carlos Salamanca and Luis Camara came up with 9 points each to lead the winners. Portugal thus clinched the top position in Group D. Austria fell at 0-5 record after the loss. Portugal built a 17:8 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Austria stopped the rot in the second quarter. They narrowed the deficit at 5-point mark at halftime 23:18. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the third term. Portugal managed to ensure a 5-point buffer before the final stanza. Austria never got closer than three points in the fourth period and had to surrender at the end. Sergio Brito (190-PG-97) posted 8 points for Portugal. Schmit and Gabriel Lehner (190-SF-96) netted 10 points each for Austria.

Norway - Holland 41-64
Netherlands beat Norway for the second win at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Dutch team overcame the opponents 64:41 to finish Group D with 2-3 record on the fourth place. Norway meanwhile fell at 1-4 record. Netherlands started with 14-6 in the first period and never looked behind after. They added 12-10 in the third quarter and won the second half as well. Netherlands produced a 21-14 in the third quarter and finished the game with 17-11 in the last stanza. Dijkstra and Derron Whitbread (185-SG-96) ensured the last points for the winners. Yannick Franke (185-G-96) stepped up with 20 points and Boezeman notched 16. Joey Liem (175-SG-96) followed them with 9, while Tom de Haas posted 5. Berg collected 18 points and 13 rebounds, whilst Dolven had 9 points and 12 boards.

Switzerland - Hungary 46-65
Hungary beat Switzerland to take the Second Stage ticket at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Hungarian team improved to 4-1 record and finished in the top two places from Group D. Switzerland meanwhile ended up with 3-2 record and sealed the third position that will give them a chance to play for the 9th-16 th place. It was the top game of the group as only the winner could join the Elite Eight. Hungary produced a 21-16 lead in the opening period and added 18-12 in the second frame. Anthony Polite (190-SF-97) and Meszaros exchanged the early baskets in the third period as Hungary posted 18-11 in it. Moreover they won the last stanza 8-7 and grabbed the fourth win in the group. Nagy top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Gyorgy Goloman (204-F/C-96) collected 12 points and 10 rebounds. Mattia Cafisi (181-PG-97) finished the game with 14 points and Mandic added 11. Anthony Polite had 10 points and 17 rebounds, whilst Tukama posted 5.


*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20   


Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U20 Awards 2012 - by Eurobasket Center

Eurobasket.com All-Tournament 1st Team 2012
#s#
Leo Westermann
Westermann
Klemen Prepelic
Prepelic
Edgaras Ulanovas
Ulanovas
Daniel Diez
Diez
Rudy Gobert
Gobert
#e#5

Best Player: Leo Westermann (198-G-92) of France
Best Guard: Leo Westermann (198-G-92) of France
Best Forward: Daniel Diez (203-F-93) of Spain
Best Center: Rudy Gobert (212-C-92) of France
Best Coach: Kazys Maksvytis of Lithuania

1st Team
G: Leo Westermann (198-92) of France
G: Klemen Prepelic (194-92) of Slovenia
G: Edgaras Ulanovas (197-92) of Lithuania
F: Daniel Diez (203-93) of Spain
C: Rudy Gobert (212-92) of France

2nd Team
PG: Tobias Borg (183-93) of Sweden
SG: Giannoulis Larentzakis (195-93) of Greece
G/F: Marcus Eriksson (196-93) of Sweden
F: Ojars Silins (201-93) of Latvia
C: Artem Pustovyi (215-92) of Ukraine

3rd Team
PG: Klym Artamonov (183-93) of Ukraine
G: Nenad Miljenovic (194-93) of Serbia
SF: Viktor Gaddefors (203-92) of Sweden
F: Bogdan Bogdanovic (197-92) of Serbia
C: Alen Omic (215-92) of Slovenia

Honorable Mention
Anastasios Antonakis (204-PF-92) of Greece
Danilo Nikolic (206-C-93) of Montenegro
Vytenis Cizauskas (190-SG-92) of Lithuania
Janis Timma (201-F/G-92) of Latvia
Spyridon Motsenigos (193-SG-92) of Greece
Livio Jean-Charles (204-PF-93) of France
Berkay Candan (204-F-93) of Turkey
Awudu Abass (196-G-93) of Italy
Vladislav Trushkin (201-F-93) of Russia
Rait-Riivo Laane (179-PG-93) of Estonia
Vyacheslav Bobrov (202-F-92) of Ukraine
Beka Burjanadze (203-F-94) of Georgia


Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U20 Division B Awards 2012 - by Eurobasket Center

Eurobasket.com All-Tournament 1st Team 2012
#s#
Ondrej Balvin
Balvin
Devon Van Oostrum
Van Oostrum
Pavlin Ivanov
Ivanov
Henrik Sirko
Sirko
Martin Kriz
Kriz
#e#5

Best Player: Ondrej Balvin (216-C-92) of Czech Rep.
Best Guard: Devon Van Oostrum (190-G-93) of England
Best Forward: Martin Kriz (202-F-93) of Czech Rep.
Best Center: Ondrej Balvin (216-C-92) of Czech Rep.
Best Coach: Niksa Bavcevic of Croatia

1st Team
G: Devon Van Oostrum (190-93) of England
G: Pavlin Ivanov (195-93) of Bulgaria
F: Henrik Sirko (198-93) of Croatia
F: Martin Kriz (202-93) of Czech Rep.
C: Ondrej Balvin (216-92) of Czech Rep.

2nd Team
SG: Vitali Liutych (198-92) of Belarus
G: Mateusz Ponitka (196-93) of Poland
SF: Filip Kramer (200-92) of Austria
G/F: Goran Markovski (195-92) of FYR Macedonia
F: Dimitar Dimitrov (202-93) of Bulgaria

3rd Team
PG: Obasohan Ojomoh (183-93) of Belgium
G: Esben Reinholt (196-93) of Denmark
G/F: Jaromir Bohacik (197-92) of Czech Rep.
F: Tomasz Gielo (205-93) of Poland
C/F: Rafael Wildner (207-92) of Portugal

Honorable Mention
Przemyslaw Karnowski (214-C-93) of Poland
Maximilian Hopfgartner (206-PF-92) of Austria
Maurizio Galata (203-F-92) of Slovakia
Bar Timor (191-PG-92) of Israel
Brian Savoy (192-SG-92) of Switzerland
Stipe Krstanovic (204-F/C-93) of Croatia
Alasdair Fraser (203-F-92) of England
Grzegorz Grochowski (178-PG-93) of Poland


*****************************************************
  FINLAND   


U16 European Championship: Israel grabs the last ticket to Elite Eight - by Eurobasket News

Finland U16-Israel U16 52:53

Israel grabs the last ticket to Elite Eight of the U16 European Championship. The Israeli team grabbed 53:52 win over Finland and sent them to the Classification Round for 9-16 places. Israel finished second with 3-1 record, while Finland dropped to the third place with 2-2 record.
Israel started with 4-0 run and Tamir Blatt (178-PG-97) later scored for 9:4. Henri Niemisto (194-G-96) closed the period with a three-pointer for 14:12 and Nieminen made a dunk for 17:14 early in the second. Finland won the second period 10-6 and led 22:20 at the halftime. The battle continued in the third quarter and the squads exchanged the lead several times. Israel took the narrow lead at the end of the third period and never looked behind after. Roi Huber (184-G-97) made two free throws for 39:37 after thirty minutes and Eran Tessone (200-G-96) later brought 53:50. Henri Niemisto made the same for the Finnish side, but those points were the last in the game.
Eran Tessone led the way with 12 points and Roi Huber added 10. Avichai Ben David (185-F-96) notched 9, while Tamir Blatt scored 8. Aapeli Alanen (197-F-96) finished the game with 16 points, while Henri Niemisto added 9. Elias Eerikinharju (185-G-96) posted 8 and Tuomas Hirvonen (175-G-96) had 6.

Finland U16: Aapeli Alanen 16, Henri Niemisto 9, Elias Eerikinharju 8, Tuomas Hirvonen 6
Israel U16: Eran Tessone 12, Roi Huber 10, Avichai Ben David 9, Tamir Blatt 8


*****************************************************
  FRANCE   


Australia snatch win over France - by Eurobasket News

France - Australia 67:69

Australia celebrated a narrow win over France in the last preparation game for both teams before the start of Olympic basketball tournament. Aron Baynes (208-C/F-86, college: Washington St.) knocked down a late basket to seal the victory for the Boomers in Strasbourg.
The Aussies led throughout the opening quarter. They ensured a 20:16 lead at the first break. The margin grew in the second quarter. Australia accounted for a 40:30 halftime lead. Brad Newley gave the Boomers a 16-point advantage midway through the third term. France managed to narrow the gap at 13-point mark with ten minutes remaining. Les Bleus however denied the deficit in the fourth quarter. Nando De Colo (202-G-87, agency: Arete Sports Agency) drained a triple to level things up at 67 with just over a minute remaining. Aron Baynes put Australia back in front and Tony Parker had a chance to win the game for France. But his three-pointer rimmed out and the Boomers clinched the victory. Joe Ingles (203-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports) posted 16 points for Australia. Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) added 13 points, while Aron Baynes accounted for 11 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Nando De Colo answered with 17 points for France. Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) had 14 points in the loss.

France: Nando De Colo 17, Nicolas Batum 14
Australia: Joe Ingles 16, Patrick Mills 13, Aron Baynes 11+10 boards


ASVEL announce Joseph Georgi - by Eurobasket News

ASVEL made official the signing of Georgi Joseph (197-F-82, college: Kennesaw St.). The forward comes from Orleans. He spent the last season there. Georgi Joseph tallied 7.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.0 steal per game in ProA. Previously Georgi Joseph had stints with Pau-Lacq-Orthez, Aix-Maurienne, Stade Clermontois, Paris Racing and Agricola Gloria Monteacatini. He participated at ProA All-Star Game back in 2007.


U16 European Championship: Lithuania hand France first loss at the tournament - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania U16 - France U16 56:51

Lithuania registered the first win at the Second Stage of U16 European Championship. They defeated France in Group F. Tautvydas Paliukenas (192-SF-96) scored 14 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead the charge. France suffered the first defeat at the tournament.
Lithuania and France stayed close throughout the opening quarter. They were tied at 11 after ten minutes. Lithuania pulled in front in the second frame. The Baltic team gained a 29:25 halftime lead. Lithuania boosted the lead in the third quarter. They held France to 8 points in the frame to secure an 11-point lead at the final intermission. France got within two points with under two minutes remaining. But Raimundas Zuklevicius (186-SG-96) and Tautvydas Paliukenas notched 5 points in a row and Lithuania hang on for the win at the end. Domantas Sabonis (199-PF-96) posted 13 points and 11 rebounds for Lithuania. Raimundas Zuklevicius had 9 points in the victory. Antoine Wallez (202-PF-96) answered with 21 points for France. Etienne Ory (175-PG-96) netted 9 points in the losing case.

Lithuania U16: Tautvydas Paliukenas 14, Domantas Sabonis 13, Raimundas Zuklevicius 9
France U16: Antoine Wallez 21, Etienne Ory 9


Rouen add Wendell McKines - by Eurobasket News

Rouen bolstered their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Wendell McKines (198-F-88). The forward will start his pro career in France. Wendell McKines has just graduated from New Mexico State University. He tallied 18.7 points, 10.7 boards and 1.5 assists per game in his senior season. Wendell McKines participated at Reeses College All-Star Game in 2012. The forward made it into NABC Division I All-District 6 1st Team. Wendell McKines participated at Portsmouth Invitational Tournament this summer. He notched 15.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game there. The forward made it into All-Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Team.


Saint-Etienne agrees with Julien Sauret - by Eurobasket News

Julien Sauret (184-PG-81) will return to his former team Roche Saint-Etienne Metropole Basket for the next season, according to French media (Le Progres). Reportedly, they agreed terms and contract will be signed during the week. Saint-Etienne will compete in NM1.
Julien Sauret spent last season with Lille in ProB. He appeared 31 times for the club averaging 5.5 points, 4.2 assists and 2.8 rebounds. Before Lille, the point guard played one year for Denain. There he had 11.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 3 rpg for 32 games in NM1. As mentioned above, Julien Sauret already was a member of Saint-Etienne and that was in 2009/10 season. The player had 10.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 2.3 apg for 29 games in NM1. He also has experience from Antibes, Boulazac, Maurienne, Dijon and Nantes. From 2004 to 2006, Sauret played for the Swiss team Geneve Devils.


Leo Westermann is MVP of U20 EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News

Leo Westermann (198-G-92, agency: Beo Basket) is named MVP of U20 European Championship which ended last night in Ljubljana. France faced with defeat in heartbreaking thriller against Lithuania 49-50. Westermann picked up the most important award, but he would likely exchange it for a gold medal. His teammate Rudy Gobert was also named to All-Tournament team.
Leo Westermann averaged 12.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists for seven games in Slovenia. His France advanced to Quarterfinals as the fourth ranked team of Qualifying Group E. They had 2-3 record. In the QFinals, France eliminated host Slovenia 77-54. After that, France downed Spain in the Semis 66-59.
Leo Westermann left ASVEL recently and will play next season for the Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade. They will compete in Euroleague, Adriatic league and Serbian championship.


*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA   


U16 European Championship: Belgium roll over F.Y.R. of Macedonia to win Group B - by Eurobasket News

F.Y.R. of Macedonia U16-Belgium U16 49:59

Belgium roll over F.Y.R. of Macedonia to win Group B at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Belgian side handed the opponents their first loss at the tournament and sent them to the second place after 59:49 win.
Both teams were the favorites of the group and met each other in the last game. Belgium started the game with 22-13, while F.Y.R. of Macedonia bounced back with 11-4 in the second frame. After 24-24, William Robeyns (191-F-96) gave his side 2-point lead at the halftime. Kristijan Nikolov (185-G-96) scored for 31:29 for F.Y.R. of Macedonia and Clement gave Belgium 40:37 after three quarters. Belgium added 19-12 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
Ordane Kanda-Kanyinda (96) stepped up with 16 points for the winners and William Robeyns as well as Rochdi Benzouien (180-PG-96) had 9 each. Mathieu Houdart (194-F-96) followed them with 8 points in a win. Andrej Magdevski (190-G-96) ended up with 20 points and 15 rebounds in defeat as both teams advanced to Elite Eight. Kristijan Nikolov posted 17, while Oliver Dvojakovski (204-C-97) had 6.

F.Y.R. of Macedonia U16: Andrej Magdevski 20+15 rebs, Kristijan Nikolov 17, Oliver Dvojakovski 6
Belgium U16: Ordane Kanda-Kanyinda 16, William Robeyns 9, Rochdi Benzouien 9, Mathieu Houdart 8


*****************************************************
  GEORGIA   


U16 European Championship: Montenegro triumphs in Group C - by Eurobasket News

Georgia U16-Montenegro U16 48:73

Montenegro triumphs in Group C of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team outscored Georgia 73:48 for 4-0 record. Georgia finished with 2-2 record and could not make it in Elite Eight.
Both teams nailed 15 points each in the opening period, but Georgia could not match the favorites later in the game. Montenegro proved their ambitions for the high places and needed 21-14 in the second period to take 36:29 lead at the halftime. The third quarter was a nightmare for the Georgian team that scored only 4 points. Montenegro erupted with 19-4 and then added 18-15 in the last stanza.
Aleksandar Novosel (185-PG-96) paced all the winners with 16 points, while Petar Popovic (188-PG-96) scored 15. Aleksandar Dozic (199-F-96) collected 12 points and 10 rebounds, whilst Vasilije Knezevic (200-C-96) and Mihailo Radunovic (199-SF-96) added 10 apiece. Soso Matchavariani (196-SF-96) finished the game with 11 points in defeat and Dimitri Bobilev (197-F-96) posted 10.

Georgia U16: Soso Matchavariani 11, Dimitri Bobilev 10
Montenegro U16: Aleksandar Novosel 16, Petar Popovic 15, Aleksandar Dozic 12+10 rebs, Vasilije Knezevic 10, Mihailo Radunovic 10


*****************************************************
  GERMANY   


Hannover: Smith and Williams get contract extensions - by Moritz Korff

The UBC Hannover Tigers (2. Bundesliga Pro B) unveiled today, that Maurice Williams (192-G-83, college: Los Medanos JC) and Allen Ray Smith (193-G-80) have been given contract extensions.
32-year-old Smith, who hails from Monterey, California, but holds a German passport as well, scored 6.3 points for the Tigers in the 2011-12 season, before suffering a season-ending torn ACL in January and undergoing surgery. Smith, the son of a German mother, who had a season-high 16 points, including 4 out of 9 from beyond the three point line, against Wolfenbuettel, went through an intense rehab in these past months and will be ready to go, when the 2012-13 campaign kicks off: "I am happy and thankful, that the club and the fans have given me the support to get back to full strength. I am excited to return to the basketball court and I want to contribute all I have to the team's success next season", Smith said.
Williams will enter his third season with the UBC Tigers. The Gary, Indiana, native averaged 5.8 points and 2.6 rebounds in 33 games of this past Pro B season.


Michael Canty to stay in Magdeburg - by Moritz Korff

Michael Canty (178-G-89) has received contract extension by BBC Magdeburg, the 1. Regionalliga North team unveiled on its website. According to the report the guard had other offers on the table, but decided to remain loyal to the Febro Eagles. It will be his third year in Magdeburg. Last season the product of BSG Bremerhaven and brother of Anthony Canty (183-PG-91), who recently was named to the German Men's National Team, averaged 14 points, 4.9 assists, 3.1 rebounds for the team.


Joseph Roberson will not return to Treis-Karden - by Moritz Korff

At some point in time, each player will have to focus on other things than basketball in his life. For Joseph Roberson (193-F-83, college: Concordia Irvine) this time has come. "Joe has found a job in the USA, he will turn 30 next year. He told me: Emir, I have to think about the future. I have to do this, I can't make a living only playing basketball. It hurts that he is leaving", Emir Colan, coach of TuS Treis-Karden (1. Regionaliga South-West) says in an article on www.rhein-zeitung.de. Roberson has dominated the league over these past years and will be difficult to replace, both on and off the court, Colan stressed. Roberson, a Canyon Lake, California, native, graduated from NAIA school Concordia Irvine in 2008 and signed his first contract overseas with Treis-Karden the same year. Over the years he received Eurobasket.com All-RLSW First Team honors in 2012 and Second Team honors in 2009 and 2011. Roberson averaged 18.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.4 steals per contest for TuS last season.
Besides Robinson, Coach Colan will also have to do without Tim Kaurisch (180-G-84) after the summer break. The guard has been playing for Treis-Karden since 2007, he will move to Solingen.


Phantoms Braunschweig land Casey Mitchell - by Moritz Korff

BBL team Phantoms Braunschweig has signed Casey Mitchell (193-G-88, college: W.Virginia) for the 2012-13 season. The 24-year-old will strengthen the Phantoms on the shooting guard and small forward spot.
Mitchell turned pro last year. He averaged 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals per contest in 23 games for NBA D-League's Sioux Falls Skyforce and signed with Union Olimpija Ljubljana of Slovenia in February. He saw action in eight encounters of the Slovenian Telemach League and scored 3.6 points a game. Mitchell also appeared in six games of the Adriatic League, averaging 5 points per outing.
The Savannah, Georgia, native had spent his college career at Chipola Junior College before transferring to NCAA Division One school West Virginia. He led the Mountaineers in scoring (13.6ppg) during the 2010-11 season, but was suspended indefinitely in January 2011 for violation of team rules.



Anish Sharda returns to Hanau for third season - by Moritz Korff

Anish Sharda (191-G-82, college: St.Mary's, KS) has agreed a new contract to extend his stay with 2. Bundesliga Pro B team White Wings Hanau. The 29-year-old guard moved to Hanau in 2010 and led the club to 1. Regionalliga South-West championship right away. Also in the Pro B Sharda is a key player on the White Wings' squad, as shown throughout the 2011-12 season: He led the team in scoring (16.3ppg), ranked seventh in the league in assists per contest (5.4apg) and was named Player of the month January. In total Sharda will enter his sixth season in German basketball. The graduate of the University of Mary played for ASC Theresianum Mainz and USC Freiburg earlier.


Trayvon Lathan Joins The Oettinger Rockets Gotha - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The Oettinger Rockets Gotha have announced the arrival of Trayvon Lathan (201-G-84, college: Chowan) Lathan is a 28 year old 201cm guard with much experience. Last season he played for the Moncton Miracles (Canada-NBL, starting five): 26 games: 16.9ppg, Reb-2 (9.7rpg), 4.8apg, Steals-5 (1.7spg), FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 62.1%. Recently he ha dplayed for the Los Angeles Lightning (IBA). He is a combo guard that plays at a high level. He has great quickness and rebounding skills. Lathan can defend guards and forwards, and knows how to score. He also has an explosive shot from the outside and can create for others. He has been compared to a young Penny Hardaway. He started his basketball career for Chowan (NCAA2) in 2004 and played there until 2007 playing a total of 74NCAA2 games. In his last season there, he played 26 games: 16.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.3apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 64.5%. In 2007, he started his professional basketball career for the Santa Barbara Breakers (IBL): 17.0ppg, 7.0rpg. He was Drafted by Utah Flash (D-League,6rd (75) in 2007. In 2010, he played for the Los Angeles Lightning (IBL) playing 19 games: Score-3 (26.3ppg), Reb-3 (11.5rpg), 4.5apg. In 2010-2011, he played for : Anibal Zahle (Lebanon-Div.A, starting five), left in Oct.'10, same month moved to Al Moutahed Tripoli (Lebanon-Div.A, starting five): 1 game: 9pts, 3reb, 5ast; left in Nov.'10, then signed at Halifax Rainmen (Canada-PBL, starting five): 11 games: 13.4ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.5apg, Steals-5 (1.6spg), FGP: 46.6%, FT: 63.9%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been All-South Region Team -04, USA South Honorable Mention -04, Rookie of the Year USA South Conference -05, CCAA All South Region -05, 06, 07, NCCAA All American Team -05, 06, 07, NCCAA South Region Tournament Title -06, NCAA All South Region Player of the Year -06, Rookie of the Year for the Santa Barbara Breakers -07, All-Eurobasket Summer League in New York Team -08, Eurobasket Summer League in New York Winner -08, IBL Champion -09, IBL Regular Season Western Conference Runner-Up -09, USBasket.com All-IBL 2nd Team -10, PBL Semifinals -11, NBL Canada All Star Game -12, and USBasket.com All-NBL Canada 2nd Team -12.

Source: Oettinger Rockets Gotha


Eric Detlev (Fraport Skyliners) I Am More A Teacher Than A General - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


Eric Detlev is in his first season as head coach of the Fraport Skyliners (PRO B) team as well as assistant coach for the Fraport Skyliners (Beko BBL). He was 11 years with the Soba Dragons Rhondorf and last three years as head coach helping the team reach the PRO A in 2010. Awards/Achievements in his coaching career have been Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Coach of the Year 2010 and German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Champion -10. He spoke to Eurobasket about basketball recently.

Welcome to the Fraport Skyliners. How happy are you being a part of the Skyliner family?

I am very happy to be here and be a part of the family.

Did ex Skyliner PRO B player Chris Rojik influence you a bit on making your decision since you coached him for many years at Rohndorf?


I did speak to Chris about coming here, but the contact has broken off a bit because he is back in the States. So he didnt really have so much an influence in me making this decision.

You were 11 years with the Soba Dragons Rhondorf. How did the contact come about with the Fraport Skyliners?


I had spoken to Gunnar Wobke about a year ago about me coming to the Skyliners, but it didnt happen because I had signed a contract with Rhondorf.

On what things are you looking most forward to with your new challenge with the Fraport Skyliners?


There are really two main factors about what I am most looking forward to. First being able to be with young players and help them develop further and second to be able to work with Muli Katzurin and be able to learn new things from him.

What will be your biggest challenge with the Fraport Skyliners?


My biggest challenge will be coordinating everything between the JBBL, NBBL, Eintracht and PRO B players. Also helping PRO B players make the possible jump to the Beko BBL team. Danilo Barthel made the jump last season.

What will be the goal of the PRO B Fraport Skyliners juniors this season?



Being able to stay in the PRO B. The biggest difference to Rhondorf is that there I had the first team and all players, but now I have the second team and might not always have all players for practice.

What is your biggest strength as a head coach?


My biggest strength is talking with all the players. It is most important that no matter what the situation is that you can create a identity in the team and try to teach the players to get integrated into the team.

You were 11 years in Rhondorf and head coach the last three years. How were you able to develop as a coach?


I think it was important that I saw all aspects. I was head coach, assistant coach under guys like Klaus Perwas and Olaf Stolz, athletic coach and youth coach. I learned so much and really all things that a coach needs to know.

What is a strength that doesnt always get noticed in your style?


My ability how to work with the players. I am more a teacher than a general. I try to make young players better by being a teacher.

Who was the best player that you coached?

Chris Rojik was one of the best and really made a name in the second league. Others good players that I coached was Jonas Wolfarth-Bottermann and point guard Nick Larsen.

How much of a joy was it seeing Fabian Thulig and Jonas Wolfarth-Bottermann?


It was a lot of fun helping them make the next step and giving them confidence and trust and just watching them improve.


You coached American Deandre Spraggins. Why isnt a guy like him playing now? Did he retire?


I dont have too much contact with him anymore. I think that he just didnt find his way anymore and maybe didnt get as many offers anymore. He has a tough character. In the first year in Rhondorf it was ok, but he was just a tough character guy.

How many players do you know that have played in the PRO B, but have Beko BBL calibur? A Josh Young had no problems making the transition from PRO B to BEKO BBL.


There surely are some guys that could make it. Especially young Germans always have the potential to make it. Gotha had some strong Americans this season that had that potential to make the next step.

How does the Fraport Skyliners PRO Team roster shaping up for next season?


We want to keep all our German players. We will look for our Americans later in the process. We would like to keep guys like Larry Wright and Demetrius Jemison, but it depends if they want to stay.

Can Konstantin Klein make the next step?

He started his career in the Alba Berlin youth program and helped Gotha reach the PRO A last season. He is a very versatile point guard with a good attitude. He plays for his teammates. He might not score much, but that isnt necessarily what we are looking for first in a point guard. He has a good character and will make the team better.

What was your first impression of Muli Katzurin?


My first impression was that he is a very serious guy that is very professional. For him, the small things are very important. I will learn a lot from him.

What are your hobbies?

I like to be outdoors in the mountains and like to read.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I cant remember. I watch many player DVDs.

Thanks Eric for the chat


German Roster Named For International Games In Austria And Turkey - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

German national team coach Svetislav Pesic (agency: Interperformances ) has named his roster for international games against Austria on July 25th in Klosterneuburg and for a four nations tournament from July 27th-29th in Oberwart, Austria and the Basketball Worldcup on August 2nd and 3rd in Istanbul, Turkey. The players that Pesic has given his trust in are Robin Benzing (FC Bayern Muncih), Bastian Doreth (TBB Trier), Per Guenther (ratiopharm Ulm), Jan-Hendrik Jagla (FC Bayern Munich), Tim Ohlbrecht (no team), Tibor Plei (Caja Laboral Vitoria/ESP), Heiko Schaffartzik (ALBA Berlin), Philipp Schwethelm (ratiopharm Ulm), Andreas Seiferth (TBB Trier), Lucca Staiger (Neckar RIESEN Ludwigsburg), Karsten Tadda (Brose Baskets Bamberg), Maik Zirbes (Brose Baskets Bamberg), and Philip Zwiener (Eisbren Bremerhaven). Players that are on call are: Anthony Canty (Eisbren Bremerhaven), Patrick Heckmann (Boston College/USA), Yassin Idbihi (ALBA Berlin), Mathis Mnninghoff (TBB Trier), Philipp Neumann (Brose Baskets Bamberg), Dennis Schrder (Spot Up Braunschweig/New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig), and Daniel Theis (New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig). "During the tournament, we will train on a regular basis with an hour and a half in the morning likein Kienbaum. The games at night are then the substitution for the night practice. We want to continue to practice with these games. The games will show us what we have done well and where we still need to work on", stressed German national coavh Svetislav Pesic (agency: Interperformances ). The schedule is as follows. 25. July 2012, 19.00 Uhr:Austria-Germany (Freizeitzentrum Happyland, Klosterneuburg), 27. July 2012, 17.30 Uhr:Germany- Portugal (Sporthalle Oberwart), 28. July 2012, 20.15 Uhr: Germany-Austria (Sporthalle Oberwart , 29. July 2012, 19.45 Uhr: Germany- Israel (Sporthalle Oberwart), 2. August 2012, semi final Basketball Wordlcup ( Tuerkey, Germany, Finland and Iran) and 3. August 2012, Tird place game/finalBasketball Worldcup ( Tuerkey, GermanyFinland and Iran).

Source: DBB


The New Yorker Phantoms Braunscweig Nab Casey Mitchell - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The New Yorker Phnatoms Braunscweig have reacted on the German basketball transfer market by bringing in Casey Mitchell (193-G-88, college: W.Virginia) giving him a one year deal. Mitchell is a 24 year old shooting guard that can also play th small forward position. He may only be starting his second professional season with Braunschweig, but already as a rookie, he was able to have two stops in Europe and one in the States as he played for A.G.O Rethymno Aegean (Greece-A1), left in Oct.'11, then moved to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 23 games: 19.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 85.7%; in Feb.'12 signed at Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Telemach League): Slovenian League: 8 games: 3.6ppg; Adriatic League: 6 games: 5.0ppg, 1.5rpg. "Casey showed in the D-league that he can be a scorer and be motivated. He brings good qualities and has the potential to get better. He will surely need time to get used to the Beko BBL, but I am sure that he will be very valuable for us", stated Phantoms head coach Kostas Flevarakis .The Savannah, Georgia native started his basketball career with Chipola JC (JUCO) in 2008. He then played for W.Virginia (NCAA) from 2009-2011. In is senior year, he played 30 games: 13.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 87.1%. He played a total of 65 NCAA games. "I have watched Casey for some time and know him from the college tournaments. He will help us at the position three with his strenth and athletic ability", stressed Phantoms sport director Oliver Braun . Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Panhandle Conference Champion -09, NJCAA Semifinals -09, Big East Regular Season Co-Runner-Up -10, Big East Tournament Winner -10, NCAA Final Four -10, Slovenian League Regular Season Runner-Up -12, and Slovenian League Finalist -12


The Artland Dragons Haul In Ben Spoeler - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The Artland Dragons Continue to shape their roster for the following season announcing the arrival of Ben Spoeler (206-F-88)oday. Ben Spoler is a 24 year old 206cm forward that already played in the Beko BBL as a 19 year old. Last season, he played for the Webmoebel Baskets Paderborn (ProA) playing24 games: 6.1ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 65.6%. The German got a one year deal. "He will take the role that Florian Hartenstein had and play at the big position. He can play the position four and five and gives us flexibility. Eventhough he isn't completly young, we still see a lot of potential in him", stressed Artland Dragons head coach Stefan Koch . Spoeler strated his basketball career in 2003 for the Hertener Lowen junior team. He then played for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen from 2004-2010 playing a total of 19 Beko BBL games. In 2010-2011, he played his first season for the Webmoebel Baskets Paderborn (ProA) playing 25 games: 9.5ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 67.6%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been German U18 National Team -05-06, European Championships U18 in Amaliada (Greece) -06: 6 games: 1.7ppg, 1.0rpg, and Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro A All-Newcomers Team -11

Source: Artland Dragons


Yassin Idbihi Out 3-4 Weeks - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Some guys have all the luck isnt the appropiate word to use or even let Rod Stewart howl in the direction of Yassin Idbihi (208-F-83, college: Buffalo) because when it comes to his German national career, he has not had much luck at all. He has been the last cut from the team on occasion and now after another solid season for Alba Berlin was preparing for the 2013 European qualifying tournament and has injured himself. In the training camp in Kienbaum, Idbii has suffered a torn ligament and be out of action for 3-4 weeks. The German/Moroccan who played the last two seasons with 8 time Beko BBL chmapion Alba Berlin last season played Euroleague Qualifying Round: 2 games: 3.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.5apg; EuroCup: 8 games: 9.6ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 63.0%, FT: 73.1%; German League: 30 games: 8.8ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 59.2%, FT: 83.3%. Despite the injury, he still belongs to the German national team roster.




U16 European Championship: Poland thump Germany at the start of the second round - by Eurobasket News

Poland U16 - Germany U16 80:63

Poland celebrated the first win at the second round of U16 European Championship. They defeated previously unbeaten Germany to improve at 2-1 record in Group F. Marek Zywert (185-SG-96) came up with 22 points to lead the winners. Germany fell at 2-1 record after the loss.
Germany accounted for a 16:15 lead at the first break. But Poland changed the complexion of the encounter in the second quarter. They exploded with 30 points to secure a 15-point halftime lead 45:30. Poland maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They established a 16-point advantage at the final intermission. Poland did not slow down in the fourth frame and rallied to a comfortable win at the end. Filip Pruefer (208-C-96) provided 14 points and 10 rebounds for Poland. Artur Wlodarczyk (174-PG-96) added 13 points in the victory. Jan Wimberg (202-G-96) answered with 14 points for Germany. Niklas Kiel (202-SF-97) provided 12 points in the loss.

Poland U16: Marek Zywert 22, Filip Pruefer 14+10 boards, Artur Wlodarczyk 13
Germany U16: Jan Wimberg 14, Niklas Kiel 12


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  GREECE   


PAOK added Margaritis and Theodorakos - by Giorgos Diploidis

The first two signings for the period 2012-13 for PAOK Thessaloniki are Evaggelis Margaritis (202-F/C-82) and Giorgos Theodorakos (197-F-88) The players where playing in A2 category with the team of AOK Ikaroi Serron. The first is a power forward and last season had in 25 matches 13.5ppg, 6.2rpg and 1.6apg. The second is a small forward playing in 23 games the last period and had 6.7ppg and 2.2rpg.

According to the team of PAOK Thessaloniki, the club is also close to sign Kosta Charalampidis (189-G-76) who is the first target of the team of Thessaloniki for the position of shooting guard.


Panionios signs 2-year deal with Mark Payne - by Eurobasket News

Mark Payne (203-G, college: Cal-Davis) will continue his career in Greece. The American guard signed a two-year deal with Panionios, according to Piratasdelbasket.es. He arrives to the club from Unicaja, where he spent last season. The player had 4.5 ppg, 2.2 apg and 1.9 rpg for 11 games in Liga Endesa. He also added 2.6 ppg and 1.4 rpg for 7 Euroleague games. Payne spent some time with LEB Gold team Clinicas Rincon. There he had 9.3 ppg and 5.2 rpg for 6 games. It was his first season as a pro.
Mark Payne graduated at the University of California - Davis something more than a year ago. He had 15.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 3.6 apg for his school in 27 games as a senior. After that he participated at Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) averaging 8 points, 6 rebounds and 4.7a ssists in 3 games.


Panathinaikos tab Roko-Leni Ukic - by Eurobasket News

Panathinaikos officially announced the arrival of Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84). The guard has agreed on terms of two-year contract with the Greek powerhouse. The Croatian player spent the last two and a half seasons in Turkey. He played for Fenerbahce Ulker. Last season Roko-Leni Ukic tallied 11.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in Euroleague. In TBL his stats read 11.9 points, 4.0 assists and 2.8 rebounds per appearance. Eurobasket.com named Roko-Leni Ukic All-Turkish League Bosman Player of the Year in 2011. Previously the Croat had stints with Milwaukee Bucks, Lottomatica Roma, Toronto Raptors, Barcelona, Tau Ceramica, KK Split. He played for U18 Croatian National Team. Roko-Leni Ukic has been the member of Croatian National Team since 2002.


The ''who is who'' of new Panathinaikos guard, Roko Ukic - by Diamadis Farmakis

Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84) (born December 5, 1984) is a Croatian professional basketball, who mainly plays at the point guard position, but he can also play at the shooting guard position. He is 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) tall and he weighs 190 lb (86 kg).

**He began playing basketball for the youth clubs of KK Split in 1992. He competed on cadet and junior teams for the club, winning the national youth championship twice with the cadet team and earning the MVP award of the Croat cadet championship in 2000

**In 2005, he was drafted by the NBA's Toronto Raptors in the second round, 41st pick overall, after averaging 18.5 points and 4.3 assists in 35.2 minutes for KK Split in the Adriatic League.

**After spending a season with Baskonia in 2005, he moved to Spanish League rivals FC Barcelona in the summer of 2006, where he also held the backup position at point guard.

**In the summer of 2007, he moved to the Italian League team Virtus Roma on a loan deal, where he was coached by his mentor and Croatian national basketball team coach Jasmin Repea. Ukic then left Europe and moved to the NBA.

**After being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks during his second NBA season, in January 2010, Ukic returned to Europe when he moved to the Turkish League club Fenerbahe lker. He signed a two year contract on June 17, 2010.

**On July 16, 2008, Ukic agreed to a three year deal with the NBA's Toronto Raptors. During his first NBA season he appeared in 72 games as a backup at point guard to his former Saski Baskonia teammate Jos Caldern, wearing jersey #1 for the Raptors. In 12.4 minutes of play, he averaged 4.2 points and 2.1 assists with a career highs of 22 points on February 22, 2009, against the San Antonio Spurs and 10 assists on March 27, 2009, against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

**On August 18, 2009, Ukic was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, along with Carlos Delfino, in exchange for Amir Johnson and Sonny Weems.[7] On January 4, 2010, he was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks at his own request, because he wasn't satisfied with his role on the team.

**He has also been a member of the senior Croatian national basketball team. He has played with Croatia's senior national team at the EuroBasket 2005, the EuroBasket 2007, the 2008 Olympics, and the EuroBasket 2009. At the EuroBasket 2009, he averaged 13.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.

KK Split (200005) Croatian Championship: 2003
Kreimir Nosic Cup: 2004

Saski Baskonia (2005-06) Spanish Cups: 2006
Spanish Supercups: 2005, 2006

Barcelona (2006-07) Spanish Cups: 2007

Fenerbahe lker (2010-...) Turkish Basketball League: 2009-10, 2010-11
Turkish Cup: 2009-10, 2010


Panathinaikos to add another three players in the coming week.... - by Chris Mammides

According to the rumors and the Greek Media online and printed the team of Panathinaikos Athens after the official signature of the Croatian international Roko-Leni Ukic (196-G-84) is very close to agree financial terms with another great name of the european courts as the Lithuanians star Jonas Maciulis (200-G/F-85) seems to be ready to wear his green jersey very soon (other green than the Lithuania's NT), as Panathinaikos Athens and the player are very close to come to a 2 years agreement.

Other than the Lithuanian two rising stars of the Hellenic Basketball are ready to wear the Green jersey of the permanent champion, as Haralampos Giannopoulos (206-F-89), a player who's well known to the current Head Coach of Panathinaikos Athens, Argiris Pedoulakis) who did a great seson with the team of DASH Peristeri GS Athens, and became international this summer with the men's B team in the tour of Australia and a number of friendly games.

Furthermore, the third player who's close to sign with the Greens (if Panionios ON Telecoms Athens agrees to let him go) is the international power forward / center Vasileios Kavvadas (205-F-91) who is also Pedoulakis target but Panionios ON Telecoms Athens will probably not let him go as they want to invest on the player. Last but not least, Stratos Perperoglou (203-F-84) seems to be the third player (after Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) and Kostas Tsartsaris (210-F-79)) to remain in the Green team for (at least) another one season. The official announcement (positive or negative) will take place in the next 48 hours.

Other transfer news
Panionios ON Telecoms Athens agreed fiannacial terms with Head Coach Thanasis Skourtopoulos and as an assistant coach Nikos Ekonomou while the first American player is officially the swingam Mark Payne (203-G-88, college: Cal-Davis). At the same time Giorgos Bogris (210-C/F-89) is close to sign his new contract with the team of Panionios

PAOK Thessaloniki agreed financial terms with Giorgos Theodorakos (197-F-88) and Evaggelos Margaritis (202-F/C-82) while its very close to sign the ex KAOD's guard, Kostas Charalampidis (189-G-76)

Ilysiakos Athens agreed terms with the young talented itnernational Anastasios Antonakis (206-PF-92)


Panathinaikos to add another three players in the coming week.... - by Chris Mammides

According to the Greek Media online and printed the team of Panathinaikos Athens after the official signature of the Croatian international Ukic is very close to agree financial terms with another great name of the european courts as the Lithuanians star Jonas Maciulis (200-G/F-85) seems redy to wear his green jersey very soon (other green than the Lithuania's NT), as Panathinaikos Athens and the player are very close to come to a 2 years agreement.

Other than the Lithuanian two rising stars of the Hellenic Basketball are ready to wear the Green jersey of the permanent champion, as Haralampos Giannopoulos (206-F-89), a player who's well known to the current Head Coach of Panathinaikos Athens, Argiris Pedoulakis) who did a great seson with the team of DASH Peristeri GS Athens, and became international this summer with the men's B team in the tour of Australia and a number of friendly games.

Furthermore, the third player who's close to sign with the Greens (if Panionios ON Telecoms Athens agrees to let him go) is the international power forward / center Vasileios Kavvadas (205-F-91) who is also Pedoulakis target but Panionios ON Telecoms Athens will probably not let him go as they want to invest on the player.

Other transfer news
Panionios ON Telecoms Athens agreed fiannacial terms with Head Coach Thanasis Skourtopoulos and as an assistant coach Nikos Ekonomou while the first American player is officially the swingam Mark Payne (203-G-88, college: Cal-Davis)


U16 European Championship: Serbia open second round with victory - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U16 - Greece U16 62:53

Serbia celebrated the first win at the second round of U16 European Championship. They overcame Greece in Group F. The victory propelled Serbia at 2-1 record, while Greece slipped at 1-2.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening frame. The scoreboard read 16:16 after ten minutes. Greece pulled in front in the second quarter. The Hellenes accumulated a 31:29 halftime lead. Serbia however bounced back in the third term. They stiffened defence and held Greece to just 4 points in the quarter. Serbia earned a 41:35 lead at the final break. Greece got within two points with just over two minutes remaining. Jovan Starincevic (188-PG-96) and Nikola Pavlovic (199-PF-96) stepped up for Serbia at the moment and helped the team to snatch a tough win at the end. Jovan Starincevic accounted for 12 points for Serbia. Nikola Pavlovic added 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Stefan Lazarevic (193-SG-96) had 9 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Greece answered with 17 points from Dimitrios Stamatis (192-G-96). Vasileios Charalampopoulos (199-F-97) netted 10 points in the loss.

Serbia U16: Jovan Starincevic 12, Nikola Pavlovic 11+11 boards, Stefan Lazarevic 9+11 boards
Greece U16: Dimitrios Stamatis 17, Vasileios Charalampopoulos 10


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  HOLLAND   


Netherlands U18 hand two defeats to Estonia U18 - by Eurobasket News

Estonian and Dutch U18 National Teams played two friendlies in Tallinn. Netherlands claimed back-to-back victories.
The first game ended with Netherlands claiming a 69:62 victory. Shane Hammink (198-G-94) delivered 24 points to pace the visitors. Netherlands jumped to a 25:13 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the lead to as many as 15 points at the final intermission. Estonia trimmed the deficit in the final frame but came up short of victory at the end. Mike Schilder (183-PG-94, agency: Court Side) delivered 13 points for Netherlands. Floris Versteeg (200-F-94) had 8 points in the victory. Martin Jurtom (198-F-94) answered with 19 points for Estonia. Hendrik Ruut (190-G-94) had 18 points in the loss.
Next game was once again dominated by the Dutch team. They earned a 30:26 halftime lead. Estonia pulled ahead in the third quarter. The Baltic team eked out a 46:44 advantage with one quarter remaining. But the Dutchmen went on a stunning 30:6 run in the final frame to seal a 74:52 win at the end. Mike Schilder stepped up with 18 points for Netherlands. Shane Hammink added 14 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Tiit Talumaa (198-F-94) answered with 15 points for Estonia. Sten Olmre (192-G-95) delivered 11 points for the hosts.


U16 European Championship: Netherlands beat Norway for the second win - by Eurobasket News

Norway U16-Netherlands U16 41:64

Netherlands beat Norway for the second win at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Dutch team overcame the opponents 64:41 to finish Group D with 2-3 record on the fourth place. Norway meanwhile fell at 1-4 record.
Netherlands started with 14-6 in the first period and never looked behind after. They added 12-10 in the third quarter and won the second half as well. Netherlands produced a 21-14 in the third quarter and finished the game with 17-11 in the last stanza. Dijkstra and Whitbread ensured the last points for the winners.
Yannick Franke (185-G-96) stepped up with 20 points and Robert Boezeman (198-PF-96) notched 16. Joey Liem (175-SG-96) followed them with 9, while Tom de Haas posted 5. Sjur Berg (196-PF-96) collected 18 points and 13 rebounds, whilst Johannes Dolven (197-PF-96) had 9 points and 12 boards.

Norway U16: Sjur Berg 18+13 rebs, Johannes Dolven 9+12 rebs
Netherlands U16: Yannick Franke 20, Robert Boezeman 16, Joey Liem 9


Landstede Zwolle lands guard Zack Novak - by Fred Roggen

Landstede Zwolle has found a new combo guard, none other than Zack Novak (193-G-90, agency: Priority Sports) who inked a one-year deal with his new club on Monday. Novak is the first American Basketball player who signed for next season with Landstede Zwolle.
American Novak arrives from the University of Michigan, finishing his four-year college career with a Big Ten Regular Season Co-Champion. Novak averaged 9.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 85.7% in 34 games last season.


EiffelTowers Den Bosch signs point guard Andre Young - by Fred Roggen

American Andre Young (175-G-90) is coming season the new playmaker of EiffelTowers Den Bosch. Dutch champion EiffelTowers Den Bosch signed point guard Andre Young (175-G-90) to a one-year deal, the club announced today. Andre Young (175-G-90) played at Clemson University, he was chosen in the ACC All Defensive Team 2012 in his senior year.
Young averaged 13.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.1apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 82.8% in 31 games last season.


Matrixx Magixx lands guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe - by Fred Roggen

Matrixx Magixx has beefed up its backourt by signing point guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe (187-G-88, agency: Arete Sports Agency, college: N.Iowa) for the upcoming season, the club announced Monday.
Ahelegbe arrives from German club BG Gottingen where he averaged 8.1ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 87.5%, in Feb.'12 moved to Kaposvari KK (Hungary-A Division) where he aveaged 13.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 78.8%.
Ahelegbe played college basketball at University of Northern Iowa.


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  HUNGARY   


U16 European Championship: Hungary beat Switzerland to take the Second Stage ticket - by Eurobasket News

Switzerland U16-Hungary U16 46:65

Hungary beat Switzerland to take the Second Stage ticket at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Hungarian team improved to 4-1 record and finished in the top two places from Group D. Switzerland meanwhile ended up with 3-2 record and sealed the third position that will give them a chance to play for the 9th-16 th place.
It was the top game of the group as only the winner could join the Elite Eight. Hungary produced a 21-16 lead in the opening period and added 18-12 in the second frame. Anthony Polite (190-SF-97) and Meszaros exchanged the early baskets in the third period as Hungary posted 18-11 in it. Moreover they won the last stanza 8-7 and grabbed the fourth win in the group.
Levente Nagy (194-SG-96) top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Gyorgy Goloman (204-F/C-96) collected 12 points and 10 rebounds. Mattia Cafisi (181-PG-97) finished the game with 14 points and Luka Mandic (195-F-96) added 11. Anthony Polite had 10 points and 17 rebounds, whilst Christian Tukama (190-PF-97) posted 5.

Switzerland U16: Mattia Cafisi 14, Luka Mandic 11, Anthony Polite 10+17 rebs, Christian Tukama 5
Hungary U16: Levente Nagy 17, Gyorgy Goloman 12+10 rebs


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  ICELAND   


Tindastoll sign 2 imports - by Siggi Hjorleifsson

Tindastoll has sign their two import players for the up coming season in Domino's league.
Sign big men George Valentine (203-F) 6'8" who has spent his College years at Winthrop in Big South Conference.
Ih his Senior year Valentine average 8.4 points. 7.9 rebounds 0,8 assist per game, shooting 53,2 from the field and 52,7% from the free throw line.

Team also sign Isacc Miles (187-G-88, college: Murray State) (Agent Icebasket) 6'2" guard from Murray State where Miles average 10,8 points, 2,2 rebounds, 3,8 assist per game and shooting 39,3 % from the three point line. Started every game for four years, was on some of the conference teams all four years and team made it to March madness all four years.


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  IRAN   


Mahram getting back to practice - by Aydin Dianat

The defending champion of Iranian Superleague started training camps 2 days ago with its local players. Coach Mostafa Hashemi called his players to start their practices earlier than any team and make the team ready for the upcoming Asian Club Championships on October in Lebanon. The veterans will join the camp on next week and there are friendly tournaments scheduled for the team on their road for preparation for both the Iranian League and Asian Club championships.
Mahram Tehran won the WABA title in 2012 in Tehran and also won the Iranian Superleague on a perfect season with no loss.


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  ISRAEL   


U16 European Championship: Israel grabs the last ticket to Elite Eight - by Eurobasket News

Finland U16-Israel U16 52:53

Israel grabs the last ticket to Elite Eight of the U16 European Championship. The Israeli team grabbed 53:52 win over Finland and sent them to the Classification Round for 9-16 places. Israel finished second with 3-1 record, while Finland dropped to the third place with 2-2 record.
Israel started with 4-0 run and Tamir Blatt (178-PG-97) later scored for 9:4. Henri Niemisto (194-G-96) closed the period with a three-pointer for 14:12 and Nieminen made a dunk for 17:14 early in the second. Finland won the second period 10-6 and led 22:20 at the halftime. The battle continued in the third quarter and the squads exchanged the lead several times. Israel took the narrow lead at the end of the third period and never looked behind after. Roi Huber (184-G-97) made two free throws for 39:37 after thirty minutes and Eran Tessone (200-G-96) later brought 53:50. Henri Niemisto made the same for the Finnish side, but those points were the last in the game.
Eran Tessone led the way with 12 points and Roi Huber added 10. Avichai Ben David (185-F-96) notched 9, while Tamir Blatt scored 8. Aapeli Alanen (197-F-96) finished the game with 16 points, while Henri Niemisto added 9. Elias Eerikinharju (185-G-96) posted 8 and Tuomas Hirvonen (175-G-96) had 6.

Finland U16: Aapeli Alanen 16, Henri Niemisto 9, Elias Eerikinharju 8, Tuomas Hirvonen 6
Israel U16: Eran Tessone 12, Roi Huber 10, Avichai Ben David 9, Tamir Blatt 8


Bnei Hasharon signs rookie Herb Pope - by Eurobasket News

Herb Pope (203-F-89, college: Seton Hall) is set to start his professional basketball career. After being blocked from signing with Antalya BSB of Turkey two weeks ago, Pope penned a deal with Bnei Hasharon. The team announced his signing yesterday via official press release. The American forward graduated at Seton Hall University few months ago. He had 15.2 ppg and 10.3 rpg for 31 games as a senior. Pope helped Seton Hall to reach NIT Sweet 16 and he also was named All-Big East 3rd Team -12. Pope participated at 2012 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, but he was not selected in 2012 NBA Draft. Herb Pope played for the New Mexico State University as a freshman. A year after that he transferred to Seton Hall. He appeared only once for the school in 2008/09 getting an extra year of eligibility. As a junior with Seton Hall Pope had 9.8 ppg and 7.9 rpg for 30 games.


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  ITALY   


Vanoli Cremona brings in Latvian F Janis Porzingis - by Eurobasket News

Vanoli Cremona is very active on the transfer market these days. The team officially announced signing of a 1-year deal with Janis Porzingis (201-F-82, agency: Interperformances). The Latvian forward heads to Italy from Valmeira, where he finished last season. He shined with 19.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg for 9 games in Latvian league, while he also added 16 ppg and 8.5 rpg for two appearances in Baltic league. Porzingis joined the club in February and participated at the All-Star Game. Janis Porzingis started the season with LBL2 team Liepajas Lauvas II. He already played in Italy in the past. In 2010/11 and 2007/08 seasons Porzingis was a member of Pistoia. He also played for Brindisi in 2008/09 and for Livorno in 2006/07. With Livorno he had 7.5 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 33 games in SerieA. Porzingis played for the Latvian National Team in 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2008.


Cimberio Varese adds swingman Erik Rush - by Eurobasket News

Cimberio Varese officially announced signing of a 2-year deal with swingman Erik Rush (197-G/F-88, college: Montana St.). The player appeared 10 times for the Cypriot squad Pizza Express Apollon averaging 14.1 points last season. He led them to Playoff Semifinals. Rush is a product of Montana State University, where he graduated something more than a year ago. He shined with 15.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2.8 apg for 31 games as a senior. He was named All-Big Sky Conference Honorable Mention -11. The player had 11.1 ppg and 4.3 rpg for 29 games in his junior season. Erik Rush is candidate for the Swedish National Team.
Yesterday, Varese signed a deal with PG Mike Green (185-PG-85, college: Butler). Earlier this month they added Andrea De Nicolao (185-PG-91), Bryant Dunston (202-F/C-86) and Dusan Sakota (209-SF-86, agency: Beo Basket). According to rumors, the team was interested in Shawn James.


Chicago Bulls get Marco Belinelli, according to report - by Eurobasket News

Marco Belinelli (6'5''-G-86), an Italian 3-point specialist, is on his way to the Chicago Bulls, according to tweets of Aggrey Sam of CSNChicago.com.

'Source confirms Marco Bellinelli's deal with the Bulls is done. Also: Bulls attempting to sign summer-leaguer Malcolm Thomas to 1-year deal', tweeted Sam.

After losing Derrick Rose for presumably the first half of the season as he recovers from an ACL surgery, the Bulls will rely on Belinellis scoring output to lessen the pain of losing their MVP point guard.

During the 2011-2012 season, Belinelli scored 11.8 points per game and shot .393 percent on 3-pointers for the New Orleans Hornets.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com


Dinamo Sassari extends PG Mauro Pinton for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Dinamo Sassari officially announced signing of a 1-year contract extension with Mauro Pinton (185-PG-84, agency: Two Points). It will be their third straight season together. In the latest one the Italian point guard had 3.4 ppg and 1.1 apg in 34 SerieA games. Dinamo Sassari reached Playoff Semifinals and will compete in EuroCup next season. In 2010/11, Pinton had 3.7 ppg and 1.3 apg for 31 games.
Mauro Pinton won LegaDue title with Enel Brindisi in 2010. He had 4.8 ppg and 2 apg for the club in 29 games. From 2006 to 2009, the PG played for Rimini and year before that he spent with Montegranaro, but missed most of the season due to injury. Pinton also has experience from Imola, Caserta and Mestre.
Few days ago, Dinamo Sassari extended deal with team captain Manuel Vanuzzo (203-F-75).


U16 European Championship: Italy beat Latvia to stay undefeated - by Eurobasket News

Italy U16 - Latvia U16 76:67

Italy improved at 3-0 record in Group E at the Second Stage of U16 European Championship. Pierfrancesco Oliva (200-SF-96) scored 23 points, grabbed 16 boards and dished out 6 assists to lead Italy to the fourth straight win at the tournament. Latvia fell at 0-3 record in the ladder.
Italy jumped to an early lead. They recorded a 20:14 lead at the first intermission. Latvia cut the deficit in the second quarter. They narrowed the deficit to a single point at halftime 35:36. The Baltic team surged ahead in the third term. Latvia used an 11:3 run midway through the period to take a 53:45 lead. Latvia earned a 57:49 advantage with one quarter remaining. Italy opened the fourth frame with a 9:2 rally to narrow the gap. The Azzurri capped regulation with a 17:4 run to seal the victory at the end. Riccardo Rossato (189-PG-96) accounted for 18 points, while Federico Mussini (179-PG-96) added 14 points in the victory. Rauls Avenitis (180-PG-96) answered with 28 points for Latvia. Rinalds Malmanis (200-F-96) and Ervins Meznieks (184-F-96) had 10 points each in the loss.

Italy U16: Pierfrancesco Oliva 23+16 boards, Riccardo Rossato 18, Federico Mussini 14
Latvia U16: Rauls Avenitis 28, Rinalds Malmanis 10, Ervins Meznieks 10


Enel Brindisi announce Jerai Grant - by Eurobasket News

Enel Brindisi announced the newcomer on the roster. They agreed on terms of contract with Jerai Grant (203-F/C-89, agency: Arete Sports Agency, college: Clemson). The deal is meant for the next season. The centre started his pro career last season. He played for the Sydney Kings in Australia. Jerai Grant tallied 11.9 points, 8.1 boards, 1.4 blocks and 1.1 assists per game in NBL. Jerai Grant graduated from Clemson in 2011. He notched 12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 blocks per game in the senior season. Jerai Grant was named into ACC All-Defensive Team. He also earned All-ACC Honourable Mention.


Ferentino land Muhammad El Amin - by Eurobasket News

Ferentino bolstered their roster. They added Muhammad El Amin to the squad.


Mason Rocca pens deal with Virtus Bologna - by Eurobasket News

Mason Rocca pens deal with Virtus Bologna for the upcoming season. The Forward arrives from EA7 Emporio Armani Milano where he spent last 4 seasons.
Mason Rocca started for the EA7 Emporio Armani Milano in 2008-2009 and averaged 6.8ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 55.6%, FT: 53.7% in EuroLeague, while in Italian League after 28 games his stats read 7.8ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.6%, FT: 61.1%. In 2009-2010 for Armani Jeans Milano (Italy-SerieA, starting five) he had 8.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 57.4%, FT: 74.3% in EuroLeague and in Italian League improved to 10.0ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.6spg, FGP: 61.4%, FT: 66.7%. In the season 2010-2011 his EuroLeague stats read 6.4ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 46.2%, FT: 59.3% and in Italian League he showed 7.5ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.5spg, FGP: 60.1%, FT: 59.8%.
In 2011-2012 for EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (Italy-SerieA) he averaged 4.3ppg, 3.5rpg in EuroLeague and in Italian League after 42 games had 4.8ppg, 2.7rpg. With his team last year Mason reached Italian Cup Semifinals -12 and became Italian SerieA Regular Season Runner-Up -12.


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  JAPAN   


Iwate add Kenichi Takahashi, Tokyo Cinq Reves bring in Chris Sasaki and Yuta Kurihara - by Eurobasket News

Iwate Big Bulls bolstered their backcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Kenichi Takahashi (181-G-80). The deal is meant for one season. Kenichi Takahashi played for the Sendai 89ers since 2006. Last season he tallied 3.3 points per game in BJ League. Kenichi Takahashi made it into BJ League All-Domestic Player Team in 2010.
In the meantime Tokyo Cing Reves deepened their roster. They landed Chris Sasaki (178-G-80) and Yuta Kurihara (176-G-81).
Chris Sasaki spent the last season in Chiba Jets. Yuta Kurihara played for the Takamatsu Five Arrows last season. He tallied 0.9 points per appearance.


Taizon Kawabe moves to Osaka Evessa - by Eurobasket News

Osaka Evessa acquired Taizon Kawabe (190-F/G-82) from the Kyoto Hannaryz. The forward played for the Kyoto Hannaryz since 2009. Last season Taizon Kawabe delivered 8.1 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in BJ League. Previously Taizon Kawabe played for Mitsubishi Electric Dolphins. Asia-Basket.com named Taizon Kawabe All-Japanese BJ League Newcomer of the Year in 2010.


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  LATVIA   


Vanoli Cremona brings in Latvian F Janis Porzingis - by Eurobasket News

Vanoli Cremona is very active on the transfer market these days. The team officially announced signing of a 1-year deal with Janis Porzingis (201-F-82, agency: Interperformances). The Latvian forward heads to Italy from Valmeira, where he finished last season. He shined with 19.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg for 9 games in Latvian league, while he also added 16 ppg and 8.5 rpg for two appearances in Baltic league. Porzingis joined the club in February and participated at the All-Star Game. Janis Porzingis started the season with LBL2 team Liepajas Lauvas II. He already played in Italy in the past. In 2010/11 and 2007/08 seasons Porzingis was a member of Pistoia. He also played for Brindisi in 2008/09 and for Livorno in 2006/07. With Livorno he had 7.5 ppg and 2.8 rpg for 33 games in SerieA. Porzingis played for the Latvian National Team in 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2008.


Latvia U18 gain two test victories - by Eurobasket News

Latvian U18 National Team continued their preparations for the upcoming European Championship. They played two test games versus their Belarusian counterparts in Kandava. Latvia claimed two comfortable victories.
Latvia opened the series with a confident 85:68 win. Latvia unloaded 47 points in the first half to take an 18-point lead at halftime. The hosts maintained the lead throughout the second half posting a well-deserved win at the end. Ivars Zvigurs (195-G-95) provided 23 points for the winners. Elvis Endzels (180-G-94) added 16 points, while Ilja Gromovs (207-C/F-94) contributed 15 points for Latvia.
Next game was a one-way traffic. Latvia exploded with 31 points in the first frame to gain an 18-point lead. They boosted the margin to 26 points at the final break and never looked back en route to a 100:67 victory. Rolands Smits (201-C-95) netted 18 points for Latvia. Davis Geks (183-G-95) added 17 points, while Andzejs Pasecniks (208-C-95) had 13 points in the winning effort.


U16 European Championship: Italy beat Latvia to stay undefeated - by Eurobasket News

Italy U16 - Latvia U16 76:67

Italy improved at 3-0 record in Group E at the Second Stage of U16 European Championship. Pierfrancesco Oliva (200-SF-96) scored 23 points, grabbed 16 boards and dished out 6 assists to lead Italy to the fourth straight win at the tournament. Latvia fell at 0-3 record in the ladder.
Italy jumped to an early lead. They recorded a 20:14 lead at the first intermission. Latvia cut the deficit in the second quarter. They narrowed the deficit to a single point at halftime 35:36. The Baltic team surged ahead in the third term. Latvia used an 11:3 run midway through the period to take a 53:45 lead. Latvia earned a 57:49 advantage with one quarter remaining. Italy opened the fourth frame with a 9:2 rally to narrow the gap. The Azzurri capped regulation with a 17:4 run to seal the victory at the end. Riccardo Rossato (189-PG-96) accounted for 18 points, while Federico Mussini (179-PG-96) added 14 points in the victory. Rauls Avenitis (180-PG-96) answered with 28 points for Latvia. Rinalds Malmanis (200-F-96) and Ervins Meznieks (184-F-96) had 10 points each in the loss.

Italy U16: Pierfrancesco Oliva 23+16 boards, Riccardo Rossato 18, Federico Mussini 14
Latvia U16: Rauls Avenitis 28, Rinalds Malmanis 10, Ervins Meznieks 10


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  LITHUANIA   


U16 European Championship: Lithuania hand France first loss at the tournament - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania U16 - France U16 56:51

Lithuania registered the first win at the Second Stage of U16 European Championship. They defeated France in Group F. Tautvydas Paliukenas (192-SF-96) scored 14 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead the charge. France suffered the first defeat at the tournament.
Lithuania and France stayed close throughout the opening quarter. They were tied at 11 after ten minutes. Lithuania pulled in front in the second frame. The Baltic team gained a 29:25 halftime lead. Lithuania boosted the lead in the third quarter. They held France to 8 points in the frame to secure an 11-point lead at the final intermission. France got within two points with under two minutes remaining. But Raimundas Zuklevicius (186-SG-96) and Tautvydas Paliukenas notched 5 points in a row and Lithuania hang on for the win at the end. Domantas Sabonis (199-PF-96) posted 13 points and 11 rebounds for Lithuania. Raimundas Zuklevicius had 9 points in the victory. Antoine Wallez (202-PF-96) answered with 21 points for France. Etienne Ory (175-PG-96) netted 9 points in the losing case.

Lithuania U16: Tautvydas Paliukenas 14, Domantas Sabonis 13, Raimundas Zuklevicius 9
France U16: Antoine Wallez 21, Etienne Ory 9


Targu Mures returns Lithuanian G Vaidotas Peciukas - by Eurobasket News

Vaidotas Peciukas (199-G-82, college: Hawaii) is back to Romania. The Lithuanian forward signed a 1-year deal with his former team Targu Mures. They compete in Romanian top division. Peciukas finished last season with Lithuanian squad Naglis Palangos. He joined them in February averaging 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2 assists for 6 games in Baltic league. The player also added 10.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg for 9 LKL games. He started the season with Kedainiai Triobet. He had about 6.5 ppg and 2 rpg for 19 games in LKL and Baltic league. Vaidotas Peciukas already played for Targu Mures and it was in 2009/10 season. He shined with 18.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 2.5 apg in 34 games with the club. Peciukas was fourth scorer of the Romanian championship and he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 2nd Team -10. Meanwhile, Peciukas played for Mlekarna Miltra Novy Jicin of Czech Republic.


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  MONTENEGRO   


U16 European Championship: Montenegro triumphs in Group C - by Eurobasket News

Georgia U16-Montenegro U16 48:73

Montenegro triumphs in Group C of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team outscored Georgia 73:48 for 4-0 record. Georgia finished with 2-2 record and could not make it in Elite Eight.
Both teams nailed 15 points each in the opening period, but Georgia could not match the favorites later in the game. Montenegro proved their ambitions for the high places and needed 21-14 in the second period to take 36:29 lead at the halftime. The third quarter was a nightmare for the Georgian team that scored only 4 points. Montenegro erupted with 19-4 and then added 18-15 in the last stanza.
Aleksandar Novosel (185-PG-96) paced all the winners with 16 points, while Petar Popovic (188-PG-96) scored 15. Aleksandar Dozic (199-F-96) collected 12 points and 10 rebounds, whilst Vasilije Knezevic (200-C-96) and Mihailo Radunovic (199-SF-96) added 10 apiece. Soso Matchavariani (196-SF-96) finished the game with 11 points in defeat and Dimitri Bobilev (197-F-96) posted 10.

Georgia U16: Soso Matchavariani 11, Dimitri Bobilev 10
Montenegro U16: Aleksandar Novosel 16, Petar Popovic 15, Aleksandar Dozic 12+10 rebs, Vasilije Knezevic 10, Mihailo Radunovic 10


Buducnost Voli confirms signing of Bulgarian top prospect Pavlin Ivanov and Serbian Dusko Bunic - by Eurobasket News

As expected, Buducnost Voli officially confirmed singing Pavlin Ivanov (195-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) and Dusko Bunic (207-C-89, agency: Beo Basket).
Pavlin Ivanov led Bulgaria to Gold medal last summer at U18 EuroBasket Division B in Varna. He exploded with 18.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 2 spg for 7 games at this event. Ivanov was named MVP of the championship. In 2009, he was named Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U16 Division B Best Guard. At this event Bulgaria also won the Gold and Ivanov had 23.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.4 apg and 2.9 spg. Pavlin Ivanov just played for the Bulgarian U20 NT at U20 EuroBasket Division B averaging 17.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists. Last few years Ivanov spent with Benetton Treviso junior team.
Dusko Bunic played last season for Vojvodina Novi Sad and helped them reach the Playoff Semifinals in Serbia. He had 12.7 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 42 games. In 2010/11, Bunic shined with 16.6 ppg and 5.4 rpg for 26 games with Novi Sad. Bunic is a member of Serbian University National Team.


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  NBA   


Chicago Bulls get Marco Belinelli, according to report - by Eurobasket News

Marco Belinelli (6'5''-G-86), an Italian 3-point specialist, is on his way to the Chicago Bulls, according to tweets of Aggrey Sam of CSNChicago.com.

'Source confirms Marco Bellinelli's deal with the Bulls is done. Also: Bulls attempting to sign summer-leaguer Malcolm Thomas to 1-year deal', tweeted Sam.

After losing Derrick Rose for presumably the first half of the season as he recovers from an ACL surgery, the Bulls will rely on Belinellis scoring output to lessen the pain of losing their MVP point guard.

During the 2011-2012 season, Belinelli scored 11.8 points per game and shot .393 percent on 3-pointers for the New Orleans Hornets.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com


Bulls set to decline match on Asik offer sheet - by Eurobasket News

The New York Post reports and ESPN confirms that the Chicago Bulls are set to sign veteran free agent center Nazr Mohammed (6'10''-C-77, college: Kentucky). The implication is that Mohammed's signing means the Bulls will not match the offer sheet for restricted free agent Omer Asik (7'0''-C-86), a three-year, $25 million "poison pill" offer structured the same way guard Jeremy Lin's was.

Mohammed played quality but limited minutes for the Thunder the past two seasons, as Cole Aldrich's emergence limited his role for Oklahoma City. Mohammed, 34, provides the Bulls with a capable and experienced defender to slide onto a suddenly very different Bulls bench team.

The Rockets have signed Asik to a three-year $25 million offer sheet with a "poison pill" in the last year of the contract totaling $14.8 million in a cap hit. The cap structure for the Rockets averages the deal over the three years while retaining the actual salary structure.

Whether this deal will affect Houston's pursuit of Dwight Howard is unknown but multiple reports have indicated the Rockets intend to go forward with their pursuit of the All-Star center with Asik as the defensive presence off the bench he was for the Bulls. That's a lot of coin for a reserve.

The Bulls, meanwhile, will have an almost entirely new bench next season. C.J. Watson, John Lucas III, and Asik are gone. Whether the new bench unit can keep up the production the old one did is a big task and a huge question mark. Free agent signing Kirk Hinrich will man the starting role most likely until Derrick Rose returns from the ACL injury he suffered in last year's playoffs.

The decision comes as the kind that can ge defended or criticized pretty easily. It's not difficult to argue that Asik's lack of an offensive game in any capacity limits his warranting a contract offer of that magnitude, and keeping flexibility open for the future is essential to remaining in title contention. On the other hand, this screams of a purely financial move, and yet another initiative by Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf to avoid paying the luxury tax, despite having the most profitable team in the league according to some measures.

Either way, things will not be the same for the Bulls this year, and it's difficult to argue in an ever-expanding arms race across the Eastern Conference that the Bulls have taken a step forward, or even held steady.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com


P.J. Tucker returns to NBA, Phoenix Suns after long wait - by Eurobasket News

Over the five years since he last was in the NBA, P.J. Tucker has seen players come into leagues in six other countries with an expectation for success before struggling to find their roles and departing with a myopic view of their failures.

Tucker knows it all too well because that was his 2006-07 experience with Toronto, which included 17 appearances, D-League duty and a March waiver that started his circuitous path back to the NBA.

The time and experiences gave Tucker a greater maturity that led to a return to the NBA with the Suns, who will sign the burly, versatile forward to a two-year contract with partial guarantees on the first year.

To realize his dream of returning to the NBA, Tucker is taking less than half of the salary he would have made overseas to join the Suns at potentially $762,195 for the first season.

"It's been a long, grueling journey, but it's fulfilling," Tucker, 27, said. "I was so resentful in Toronto because I wasn't playing much. I was throwing fits. I was so young-minded. I didn't get the big picture or that it's a business. You have to understand your role on a team. You see kids come after you and do the same thing. So many never play and say they got screwed by the GM or coach. When you can be real with yourself and understand why, that's really when it comes to life."

Tucker's entry into the NBA was no sure thing as a No. 35 pick in 2006 because second-round draft picks do not get the guaranteed contracts that first-round picks do. Since he was waived, the 6-foot-6, 224-pound forward has been a Most Valuable Player in Israel, a scoring champ in the Ukraine and the MVP of this year's German League finals. He also played in Italy, Puerto Rico and Greece, passing on NBA training-camp invitations to cement his role with European clubs that paid him well and supplied a home and a driver or car.

Former Suns forward Casey Jacobsen has starred for the past six seasons in Germany, where he saw American players come and go because they could not adjust to veteran teams.

"Of all my teammates that I've had, P.J. seamlessly integrated himself into the lineup and did so by doing all the little things and then eventually became the star of the team," said Jacobsen, who was a Brose Baskets Bamberg road roommate with Tucker. "Ten games into the season, it was clear that P.J. was our best player. He came to play every game or practice. The thing that I like most about him is he doesn't require you to run plays for him. He doesn't yell, 'Get me the ball.' He just found a way to be efficient and productive. Those are the kind of teammates that don't come along very often. What P.J. can do and the attitude he has is abnormal."

Tucker has known Suns General Manager Lance Blanks, a fellow Texas Longhorn, for several years and heard of Suns Director of Player Personnel John Treloar's interest over the past year. He played on the Suns' summer-league team, where he averaged 5.8 points and 6.2 rebounds in 21.6 minutes per game and showed his vocal, competitive side.

Tucker is not being added for his stats, although he averaged 16 points for Brose. He can guard different positions, gives all-out effort and has the strength to move bodies.

"I love P.J." Suns summer coach Dan Majerle said. "He's right after my own heart. That guy plays extremely hard. He does everything you ask of him."

Tucker's European journeys enriched him and his bank account. His Ukrainian owner walked into a pregame locker room with a bag of cash and told the players they would get $10,000 each if they won. They rolled.

Tucker's goal was not just to get back to the NBA. The goal is to make an impact in the NBA.

"When was in Toronto, I wasn't half the player I am now," Tucker said.

"First and foremost, I'm going to help the young guys and always be a positive voice in the locker room. I look at myself as a defensive player first but I can rebound and handle the ball.

"I just stick my neck out and play hard. I never let anyone outwork me."

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com


Chicago Bulls sign guard Kirk Hinrich - by Eurobasket News

The Chicago Bulls announced today the team has signed free agent guard Kirk Hinrich (6'4''-G-81, college: Kansas).

We are pleased to be able to bring Kirk back to Chicago. His ability to play both spots in the backcourt will help us immensely this season, said Bulls General Manager Gar Forman. Kirks tenacity and passion for the game complement our style of play, and we look forward to seeing him back in a Bulls uniform.

Hinrich (6-4, 190), originally drafted by Chicago in the first round (seventh overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft, played the first seven seasons of his career with the Bulls. After being traded to the Washington Wizards on July 8, 2010, he spent the last two seasons with the Wizards and the Atlanta Hawks. Last year with the Hawks, he played in 48 games (31 starts) and averaged 6.6 ppg, 2.8 apg, 2.1 rpg, 0.80 spg, 25.8 mpg, .414 from the field, .346 from behind the arc and .781 from the line.

Im very excited to be back in Chicago and to wear a Bulls uniform once again, said Hinrich. I look forward to getting back out on the court as a Bull, and contributing to the team in any way I can.

In nine seasons in the NBA, the 31-year old Hinrich has played in 634 games (515 starts) and owns career averages of 12.5 ppg, 5.4 apg, 3.2 rpg, 1.21 spg, 33.0 mpg, .417 from the floor, .378 from behind the three-point line and .811 from the free throw line. He also has played in 46 playoff games (37 starts), where he has averaged 13.4 ppg, 4.7 apg, 2.9 rpg, 1.28 spg, 33.3 mpg, .430 field goal shooting, .404 three-point shooting and .763 free throw shooting.

Hinrich returns to Chicago as the franchises all-time leader in three-point field goals made (812) and three-point field goals attempted (2,144). He also ranks fourth in assists (3,004), fourth in steals (655), sixth in three-point field goal percentage (.379), eighth in mpg (17,499), eighth in field goal attempts (6,053), 10th in scoring (6,902) and 11th in field goals made (2,510).

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com


Heat remain beast of the east - by Eurobasket News

With the pressure of winning his first NBA title off his back, Lebron James and the Miami Heat are looking to repeat next season and they wasted no time in the off-season adding more talent to the fold to strengthen their roster. With the signings of sharp-shooter Ray Allen (6'5''-G-75, college: Connecticut) and former Wizards' forward Rashard Lewis (6'10''-F-79), the Heat brought on veteran scorers who can spread the floor with their ability to shoot the ball, especially from three-point range.

Allen, the NBA's all-time leader in three-point shots made, still has a lot of game left in his 37-year old legs, coming off a season in which he averaged 14 points a game in Boston. When in a zone, Allen is one of the most feared jump shooters in the game. Allen has shot an impressive 40 percent from beyond the arc for his career and he would likely come off the bench as the Heat's sixth man next season. James, last season's MVP of the league, and guard Dwyane Wade are two of the best in the league at breaking down defenders -- and with Allen perched on the wing waiting to stroke a three, the Heat's offense is vastly improved.

The Heat are taking more of a gamble with Lewis who is coming off an injury-plagued season in D.C. in which the 33-year old played in only 26 games because of sore knees and averaged just 8 points a game. Lewis is clearly on the down side of his career with father time catching up to the former all-star, but perhaps a winning environment in Miami can re-energize the 6'-10" small forward. Lewis is a career 39 percent three-point shooter, can play multiple positions and can defend anyone from shooting guards to power forwards.

The big three of James, Wade and Chris Bosh certainly are the straws that stir the drinks in South Beach but they didn't win the title without the help of role players who stepped in at critical times. Who can forget Mike Miller's 7 three-pointers made in the Game 5 clinching win over Oklahoma City in the NBA Finals? Miller returns along with Shane Battier who also stepped up his game in the post-season to help the Heat with his shooting and defense.

The Heat had a late first-round draft pick this summer but they traded it away for future considerations. The Heat are the clear-cut favorites to win the NBA title again next season as the start to something good got even better, specifically with the addition of Allen.

Courtesy of www.csnwashington.com


Clippers officially ink Ryan Hollins - by Eurobasket News

The Los Angeles Clippers signed center Ryan Hollins (6'11''-C-84, college: UCLA) on Monday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Hollins, 27, split time between the Cavaliers and Celtics last season, averaging 3.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 13.4 minutes in 39 games -- eight starts.

The UCLA product, drafted in the second round by Charlotte in 2006, has career marks of 4.2 points and 2.3 rebounds in 314 games -- 55 starts. He played for the Bobcats, Mavericks, Timberwolves, Cavaliers and Celtics.

Courtesy of www.theprovince.com


Alexey Shved leaves CSKA Moscow for Minnesota - by Eurobasket News

Guard Alexey Shved used the NBA option of his CSKA contract to move to Minnesota Timberwolves. Our club wishes Alexey successful career overseas.

Shved started to play basketball in his native Belgorod with his father Victor as his first coach. He joined our team as 16-year old player and he is a graduate of CSKA junior project. Alexey debuted in the main team in 2006-07 season, spent part of the season in BC Khimki on rent and got back to army club to become a regular member of rotation. Shved spent the second part of 2008-09 season on rent again in Dynamo Moscow but returned to wear red-blue uniform again. Alexey has become a key player for CSKA in 2010 and he finished the previous season as BEKO PBL playoffs MVP and second in the Euroleague history in 3-point percentage (49.1%).

Shveds stats in CSKA: 6.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.2 blocked shots in 14.7 minutes in 78 Eurolague games, 8.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.2 blocked shots in 18.1 minutes in 30 VTB League games, 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.2 blocked shots in 20.4 minutes in 58 Russian regular championship games.

Andrey Vatutin, CSKA President:
'One of websites included Alexey to the list of the eligible bachelors in Russia last spring, so his departure is a serious hit for the potential brides... Seriously, I have dual feelings. From one side, I am sure that Alexey could become one of CSKA leaders next season, he could help us to fulfill our dream. Probably he could spend a season or two in Europe, to become stronger in all aspects and leave overseas after that. From the other side I know Alexey for a long time, I realize that it will be easy for him to adapt to the life in the USA, more than for anyone else. From this point of view he is ready to play in the NBA. The estimates can be done only after some time but everything is in Shved's hands. Therefore I am happy for Alexey, because I have only warm feelings towards him, he grew as a player and a person in front of me. He deserved the contract. So we are all happy for him. NBA remains as the strongest basketball league in the world, and every players dream is to try himself on the highest level. I am sure that Shved has enough talent and skills to help his new team. Id like to wish him not to stop improving, to show himself, to proudly represent Russian and CSKA basketball.'

Alexey Shved:
'I'd like to sincerely thank CSKA players, coaches, clubs staff, Andrey Vatutin in person. We have spent great years together and I had the chance to stay. Still I decided to try myself on the highest level, to use the possibility to play in the NBA. Hopefully, I will be doing fine in Minnesota, I will try hard. And it will be a pleasure to return to Moscow, to visit USH CSKA. '

Courtesy of CSKA Moscow


Heat showing interest in Darko Milicic - by Eurobasket News

The Miami Heat are kicking the tires on a number of big men to round out its 2012/13 squad, one of whom is a member of the illustrious draft class that produced LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.

Darko Milicic's (7'0''-C-85) agent told the Sun Sentinel last week that the Heat have inquired about Milicic after he was released via the amnesty clause by the Minnesota Timberwolves. "We have had some conversation," Marc Cornstein said to the Sentinel. "We've certainly talked about it."

Milicic was the second player chosen in the 2003 draft, just after James and two picks before Bosh (then Wade) were selected. After two and a half seasons riding the bench in Detroit, the Pistons traded him to Orlando, and he has played for three other teams in the interim.

Milicic only has two seasons with more than 23 starts under his belt, a 64-start season with Memphis in 2007/08 and 69-game season with Minnesota in 2010/11. For his career he has averaged 6.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks a game.

Milicic's agent called the Heat's overtures just "preliminary conversations," but his status as an amnestied player gives Miami some help in signing him. Like Lewis, who was amnestied by New Orleans earlier this offseason, Milicic will receive his entire salary from his former team next year, making him less likely to chase larger contract offers elsewhere.

Miami can only offer the veteran minimum of $1.3 million to Milicic. They gave the same deal to Lewis, who will receive $14 million from New Orleans.

The Heat have already added Ray Allen and Lewis to its deep bench, but still want a center to complement a rotation of Bosh and Joel Anthony. The Heat will reportedly take another look at Ronny Turiaf, who opted out of a one-year player option ahead of the start of free agency.

The 7-foot Milicic offers a size advantage over Turiaf, but Miami could still go with recent draft pick Justin Hamilton or reserve center Dexter Pittman as well. The Heat do not have the financial flexibility to target anyone who can earn more than the veteran minimum elsewhere, so they will have to acquire a center with more than a few flaws, as each of the four centers mentioned above have.

But when the biggest question mark heading into a title defense is the 13th guaranteed contract on the roster, it is safe to say that the Heat are suffering only from the problem of abundance this offseason.

Courtesy of www.nbcmiami.com


Sources: 76ers eye Tom Penn for GM - by Eurobasket News

Tom Penn has emerged as the frontrunner for the general manager job with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to league sources.

Penn, a former assistant GM with the Portland Trail Blazers and Memphis Grizzlies, currently works as an NBA analyst for ESPN.

Penn would work alongside current Sixers president and GM Rod Thorn. Thorn, who is involved in Philadelphia's search for his successor, is entering the last year of his contract and will remain as team president for the upcoming season. He will then work with the club as a consultant.

While no timetable has been given for the hire, Penn, who already has interviewed with the Sixers, will meet again with team representatives Tuesday in New York City, sources said.

Penn is well-regarded in league circles and is viewed as one of the brighter young minds in the game. Sixers owner Josh Harris and coach Doug Collins are very high on him, according to sources.

While Penn is the frontrunner, former New Orleans Hornets GM Jeff Bower is still a candidate as well, one source said.

Penn, who worked with Portland from 2007-10, was also in consideration for the Orlando Magic GM job that went to Rob Hennigan.

Courtesy of ESPN


Brooklyn Nets sign guard C.J. Watson - by Eurobasket News

As expected due to reports from last week, the Brooklyn Nets have signed guard C.J. Watson (6'2''-G-84, college: Tennessee), Nets General Manager Billy King announced today.

Watson played in 49 games for Chicago in 2011-12, making 25 starts. The 6-2 guard averaged 9.7 points and a career-high 4.1 assists in 23.7 minutes per game for the Bulls. As a starter, Watson posted averages of 11.3 points and 4.6 assists in 29.2 minutes per game. In the 2012 postseason, Watson started five of the Bulls six playoff games and averaged 7.3 points and 5.5 assists in 27.3 minutes per game.

After going undrafted out of the University of Tennessee in 2006, Watson was signed by the Golden State Warriors as a free agent call-up from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League in January of 2008. After two and a half seasons with the Warriors, Watson was traded to Chicago prior to the 2010-11 season. Over five NBA seasons, Watson holds career averages of 7.8 points and 2.6 assists in 305 games. Watson has made postseason appearances in each of his two seasons with the Bulls. In 22 career playoff games, he has averaged 4.3 points and 2.9 assists in 13.6 minutes per game.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com


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  NCAA1   


Bnei Hasharon signs rookie Herb Pope - by Eurobasket News

Herb Pope (203-F-89, college: Seton Hall) is set to start his professional basketball career. After being blocked from signing with Antalya BSB of Turkey two weeks ago, Pope penned a deal with Bnei Hasharon. The team announced his signing yesterday via official press release. The American forward graduated at Seton Hall University few months ago. He had 15.2 ppg and 10.3 rpg for 31 games as a senior. Pope helped Seton Hall to reach NIT Sweet 16 and he also was named All-Big East 3rd Team -12. Pope participated at 2012 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, but he was not selected in 2012 NBA Draft. Herb Pope played for the New Mexico State University as a freshman. A year after that he transferred to Seton Hall. He appeared only once for the school in 2008/09 getting an extra year of eligibility. As a junior with Seton Hall Pope had 9.8 ppg and 7.9 rpg for 30 games.


Elite prospect Chris Walker commits to Florida - by Eurobasket News

It was no secret that Chris Walker was a kid Florida needed to get in the class of 2013. Walker is an in-state prospect, the Gators already have a commitment from AAU teammate Kasey Hill and coach Billy Donovan was at every one of Walker's games this summer.

The hard work paid off, as Walker announced his commitment to Florida on Sunday morning via a pre-filmed mixtape at HomeTeamHoops.

"I will be playing college basketball for the University of Florida," he said. "I will be teaming up with Kasey Hill, and together we will be the best duo in college and we will win a national championship."

Walker, a 6-foot-10 power forward Holmes County (Fla.) who runs with the Florida Elite on the AAU circuit, is ranked No. 8 in CBSSports.com's Top 100 for the class of 2013. Given his size, athleticism and skill set, Walker has tremendous potential. He can run the floor extremely well, and loves to finish in transition. In a half-court set, Walker can face-up and knock down jumpers or post up down low. Defensively, he is one of the better shot blockers in the class and he can rebound as well.

Walker chose Florida over Kentucky, Louisville, Kansas, Syracuse, Ohio State and Baylor. Kentucky was considered a major player in his recruitment and even the potential favorite but the Wildcats never officially extended an offer, leaving Donovan and the Gators as the choice for Walker.

"I made this choice from my heart," he added on Twitter. "I wanted to go to a team that I'ma get better as a player and a individual. We WILL make it to Final 4."

With Hill (No. 6 in the class) and now Walker in the fold, Florida's 2013 recruiting class immediately vaults to the No. 1 spot in the rankings. Moreover, Virginia Tech transfer Dorian Finney-Smith will be eligible in two seasons Florida could have its most talent in years. Kenny Boynton, Mike Rosario and Erik Murphy all leave after this season too, so it wouldn't be surprising if the Gators' lineup had some fresh faces right off the bat.

Given Walker's enormous ceiling and the time Florida invested in recruiting him, this is a monster pickup for Donovan and the Gators.

Courtesy of http://www.cbssports.com


Lawyer: NY's AG should probe 'Cuse sex charges - by Eurobasket News

The state attorney general should investigate Syracuse University's handling of sex abuse allegations against a former assistant basketball coach, high-profile attorney Gloria Allred said Friday.

Allred called on Attorney General Eric Schneiderman to investigate whether Syracuse was in compliance with a federal law that requires colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to disclose information about crime on campus.

Allred is representing Bobby Davis and Michael Lang, two men who say they were abused by former Syracuse assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine . Fine, who was fired last year, has denied the allegations.

Davis, a former Syracuse ball boy, said that if Syracuse officials violated the federal law, called the Clery Act, they should be held accountable.

"A college should never care more about protecting its reputation than it does about protecting children from child sexual abuse,'' he said at a Manhattan news conference with Allred.

A spokesman for Schneiderman declined to comment. Syracuse University pointed to a statement a special trustees committee made indicating the allegations don't fall within the reporting requirements of the Clery Act.

Davis, now 41, claims Fine molested him for years beginning when he was around 12. He took the claims to university officials in September 2005.

The claims by Davis and Lang, his stepbrother, happened too long ago to be prosecuted, but the U.S. attorney's office is investigating the claims of a third man who said Fine abused him. That third accuser, 23-year-old Zach Tomaselli, of Lewiston, Maine, has since said he lied.

Allred's Los Angeles-based firm is representing Davis and Lang along with a New York firm.

Allred has represented clients including Nicole Brown Simpson's family during the O.J. Simpson murder trial.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com


*****************************************************
  NORWAY   


U16 European Championship: Netherlands beat Norway for the second win - by Eurobasket News

Norway U16-Netherlands U16 41:64

Netherlands beat Norway for the second win at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Dutch team overcame the opponents 64:41 to finish Group D with 2-3 record on the fourth place. Norway meanwhile fell at 1-4 record.
Netherlands started with 14-6 in the first period and never looked behind after. They added 12-10 in the third quarter and won the second half as well. Netherlands produced a 21-14 in the third quarter and finished the game with 17-11 in the last stanza. Dijkstra and Whitbread ensured the last points for the winners.
Yannick Franke (185-G-96) stepped up with 20 points and Robert Boezeman (198-PF-96) notched 16. Joey Liem (175-SG-96) followed them with 9, while Tom de Haas posted 5. Sjur Berg (196-PF-96) collected 18 points and 13 rebounds, whilst Johannes Dolven (197-PF-96) had 9 points and 12 boards.

Norway U16: Sjur Berg 18+13 rebs, Johannes Dolven 9+12 rebs
Netherlands U16: Yannick Franke 20, Robert Boezeman 16, Joey Liem 9


*****************************************************
  PHILIPPINES   


2012 PBA Governors Cup Finals Game 1: Where Chairs Fly - by Enzo Flojo

RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS over B-MEG LLAMADOS, 91-80

Boy, it certainly is more fun in the Philippines! Only here do you have chairs flying in a Finals series! Wow. Tim Cone didnt take Rain or Shines physical play sitting down (pun VERY INTENDED!) as he hurled a chair towards the hardwood in the second half of B-Megs Game 1 loss.

It didnt really have the intended effect as his team got buried deeper by the determined Elasto-Painters. Jamelle Cornely was a beast in this game, easily outplaying his import counterpart from B-Meg, Marqus Blakely. Cornley also unleashed his beastly side in some instances, just ask Yancy De Ocampo.

If this first game is any indication of how things are going to progress in the 2012 Govs Cup Finals, then hold on to your seats, folks, else you want to see them go a-flying, too.

Game Report:

Rain or Shine made an emphatic debut in the PBA Finals, beating a tired B-MEG Llamados squad, 91-80, at the start of their Governors Cup best-of-seven championship series on Sunday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Jamelle Cornley caught fire in the third quarter, scoring 13 of his game-high 25 points in the period where a four-point Rain or Shine halftime deficit turned into a seven-point Elasto Painters advantage.

Im really proud how the boys handled the pressure, the way we played defense in the second half. We lost by 11 rebounds in the first half, but we settled down and the players were able to soak up the atmosphere. From then on, we were OK, said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

The victory, he said, was huge for the confidence of his players, none of whom have played in a PBA finals match prior to the game.

I love the way my players handled themselves in the finals, added Guiao. Malaking bagay ito sa kumpiyansa namin.

Cornleys counterpart, Marqus Blakely, struggled against the defense of the Elasto Painters.

He finished with only 12 points and was held to only seven rebounds as his game was completely out of sync.

Rain or Shine broke away completely in the fourth quarter, leading by as much as 18 points. In frustration, B-MEG coach Tim Cone threw a chair into the court, leading to his ejection.

ROS 91- Cornley 25, Lee 14, Norwood 10, Buenafe 10, Belga 8, Ibanes 8, Chan 7, Arana 4, Quinahan 4, Cruz 1.
BML 80- Yap 19, Blakely 12, Pingris 12, Simon 9, Gaco 8, Barroca 6, Villanueva 5, Reavis 4, Urbiztondo 3, De Ocampo 2.
QS: 18-16, 35-39, 66-59, 91-80

Source: Unless otherwise specified, game recaps were compressed and compiled from InterAKTV. (Writing credit to Rey Joble.)


*****************************************************
  POLAND   


Zielona Gora eye Adam Hrycaniuk - by Eurobasket News

Zielona Gora eye Adam Hrycaniuk (206-C-84, agency: Alti Sport, college: Cincinnati) for the upcoming season. Polish National team center Adam Hrycaniuk 206 cm, 1984, who played in Asseco Prokom last season is again on radar of another Polish team Zielona Gora who is aiming high this season and wants Adam on their roster. Hrycaniuk has involved much interest among Polish clubs, Trefl Sopot and his former team Asseco Prokom is also making efforts to sign the player.
In 2011-2012 for Asseco Prokom Gdynia (PLK, starting five) he averaged 7.3ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 49.4%, FT: 66.7% in VTB League and in Euroleague his stats read 6.0ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 35.7%, FT: 50.0%. In Polish League after 25 games he showed 9.5ppg, Reb-2 (8.3rpg), FGP: 54.2%, FT: 59.8%.
In 2011 Asseco Prokom Gdynia reached an agreement with big man Adam Hrycaniuk to keep him for another two seasons. In 2010/2011 Hrycaniuk was averaging 7.6 ppg and 5.5 rpg in Polish Basketball League, 5.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg in VTB League and 2.4 ppg and 2.7 rpg in Euroleague last season. Adam is a Polish National Team member.


U16 European Championship: Poland thump Germany at the start of the second round - by Eurobasket News

Poland U16 - Germany U16 80:63

Poland celebrated the first win at the second round of U16 European Championship. They defeated previously unbeaten Germany to improve at 2-1 record in Group F. Marek Zywert (185-SG-96) came up with 22 points to lead the winners. Germany fell at 2-1 record after the loss.
Germany accounted for a 16:15 lead at the first break. But Poland changed the complexion of the encounter in the second quarter. They exploded with 30 points to secure a 15-point halftime lead 45:30. Poland maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They established a 16-point advantage at the final intermission. Poland did not slow down in the fourth frame and rallied to a comfortable win at the end. Filip Pruefer (208-C-96) provided 14 points and 10 rebounds for Poland. Artur Wlodarczyk (174-PG-96) added 13 points in the victory. Jan Wimberg (202-G-96) answered with 14 points for Germany. Niklas Kiel (202-SF-97) provided 12 points in the loss.

Poland U16: Marek Zywert 22, Filip Pruefer 14+10 boards, Artur Wlodarczyk 13
Germany U16: Jan Wimberg 14, Niklas Kiel 12


*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL   


U16 European Championship: Portugal hold off Austria to remain perfect - by Eurobasket News

Portugal U16 - Austria U16 43:40

Portugal kept their record perfect at U16 European Championship in Division B. They celebrated the fifth straight victory beating Austria tonight. Carlos Salamanca (187-G-97) and Luis Camara (194-SF-96) came up with 9 points each to lead the winners. Portugal thus clinched the top position in Group D. Austria fell at 0-5 record after the loss.
Portugal built a 17:8 lead ten minutes into the encounter. Austria stopped the rot in the second quarter. They narrowed the deficit at 5-point mark at halftime 23:18. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the third term. Portugal managed to ensure a 5-point buffer before the final stanza. Austria never got closer than three points in the fourth period and had to surrender at the end. Sergio Brito (190-PG-97) posted 8 points for Portugal. Oscar Schmit (180-PG-97) and Gabriel Lehner (190-SF-96) netted 10 points each for Austria.

Portugal U16: Carlos Salamanca 9, Luis Camara 9, Sergio Brito 8
Austria U16: Oscar Schmit 10, Gabriel Lehner 10


CARLOS BAROCA VISIT MONTE BASKET - by Hugo Carvalho

CARLOS BAROCA VISIT MONTE BASKET

The Portuguese coach Carlos Barroca visited the first week of 2012 Mount Basket Academy and found an "excellent technical work in a court made for the players evolve."

In its passage through Monte Basket Carlos Barroca forwarded to the players his extensive experience as a coach, spoke of his knowledge about the NBA game, spoke about Hopla Shooting Camp and ended the week handing out awards to the best athletes of the first shift of Mount Basket Academy 2012. In his opinion, these days Carlos spent with the Monte Basket Academy he noticed "good organization" of the camp and the work of coaches.

Carlos Barroca, who between stints as the various Portuguese clubs Sport Lisboa e Benfica , FC Porto, Portugal Telecom, Immortal, and Algs Barreirense, also had the opportunity to coach a U.S. university in PACE, New York, is a coach who gained great notoriety for comments made on TV.


*****************************************************
  ROMANIA   


Center Liviu Dumitru stays with Targu Mures - by Eurobasket News

Liviu Dumitru (203-C-79) extended deal with Targu Mures for the next season. It will be their third straight year together. Dumitru had 8.8 ppg and 4.4 rpg for the club for 33 games in 2011/12. In their first season the experienced big guy collected 9.8 points and 3.3 rebounds for 33 games. He had slightly better numbers for 8 games in Balkan league.
Before Targu Mures, Liviu Dumitru spent five years with Pitesti. He shined with 11.5 ppg and 4.8 rpg in their last season together (2009/10). In the past, Dumitru played for Farul Constanca, Brasov and Rapid Bucharest. The player also has experience from Steaua Bucharest.
Targu Mures returned Lithuanian forward Vaidotas Peciukas (199-G-82, college: Hawaii), who played for the club two years ago.


Targu Mures returns Lithuanian G Vaidotas Peciukas - by Eurobasket News

Vaidotas Peciukas (199-G-82, college: Hawaii) is back to Romania. The Lithuanian forward signed a 1-year deal with his former team Targu Mures. They compete in Romanian top division. Peciukas finished last season with Lithuanian squad Naglis Palangos. He joined them in February averaging 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2 assists for 6 games in Baltic league. The player also added 10.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg for 9 LKL games. He started the season with Kedainiai Triobet. He had about 6.5 ppg and 2 rpg for 19 games in LKL and Baltic league. Vaidotas Peciukas already played for Targu Mures and it was in 2009/10 season. He shined with 18.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 2.5 apg in 34 games with the club. Peciukas was fourth scorer of the Romanian championship and he was named to Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 2nd Team -10. Meanwhile, Peciukas played for Mlekarna Miltra Novy Jicin of Czech Republic.


U16 European Championship: The hosts taste the first success in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News

Estonia U16-Romania U16 53:59

The hosts taste the first success in Bucharest at the U16 European Championship in Division B. Romania won 59:53 as both teams finished the group with 1-3 records and will continue at the Classification Round.
Romania was happy to take 22:13 lead after the first 10 minutes in the game. The guests however were too far to give up. Lips reduced to 27:31 and Karl-Robin Jurjens (199-F-96) cut it to 36:39 early in the third. Moreover Marko Meimer (199-F-96, agency: FCM) tied the game at 40:40, while Emanuel Cate (201-C-97) scored for 46:45 after three quarters. Romania led in the whole fourth quarter and won the initial game at the tournament.
Robert Tanasie (96) top-scored for the winners with 23 points, while Marius Ciotlaus (194-SF-96) posted 10. Emanuel Cate delivered 9 and Caius-Gabriel Covrig (179-PG-96) netted 8. Karl-Robin Jurjens answered with 18 points for the Baltic State and Jaagup Russak (179-G-96) scored 14. Marko Meimer followed the with 12 points in the losing effort.

Estonia U16: Karl-Robin Jurjens 18, Jaagup Russak 14, Marko Meimer 12
Romania U16: Robert Tanasie 23, Marius Ciotlaus 10, Emanuel Cate 9, Caius-Gabriel Covrig 8


Timisoara signs Capusan - by Chris Terrell

Timisoara announces the second transfer of the summer signing Andrei Capusan (204-F-83, agency: Court Side, college: Lafayette) to a contract valid for the 2012-2013 season and will contribute to the National League, Cup and FIBA EuroChallenge. Capusan is set to play positions 3 and 4 and is part of the national team.

Leontin Demaio, President of BC Timioara stated "We promised that we would bring a valuable player and behold our promise has been fullfilled . Capusan can be a great asset to our team, because it has the good natural qualities and experience. I hope to fall quickly in our group, so we have a solid rotation next season."

Capusan played in the United States, in the Patriot League Championship, where for Lafayette in season 2005/06 was co-captain. In Romania, he played for CS Otopeni, Rovinari, BC Mure Tg Mures and Asesoft Ploiesti.


Kinloch returns to Pitesti - by Chris Terrell

BCM U Pitesti and Damien Kinloch (203-F-80, college: Tenn Tech) have agreed to terms for the return of his services for the 2012-2013 season. Kinloch was an all-star last season averaging 15.9ppg, 9.3rpg, 1.4spg, 1.4bpg, while shooting 56.7% from the field. Kinloch was 2nd overall in the league in rebounds and was 5th in blocked shots. The stability and excellent overall play of the power forward helped power BCM U Pitesti to the Romanian cup and an all-Eurobasket honorable mention.


Player Movement - by Chris Terrell

Assistant Coach Marius Toma of Craiova has made public the fact that the club currently has only Romanians Cornel Cioacata (197-F-92), Catalin Petrisor (182-G-92), Iulian Orbeanu (204-C-91), Ionut Albu (187-G-85) and Mihai Gavrila (202-F-77) under contract for the 2012-2013 Season. The club, according to Toma, will make announcements in regards to the imports by August 6th. Imports from last season (name / new team) such as Donte Gennie (185-PG-83, agency: TSS Management, college: Georgia South) (BCM Pitesti) and Stephen Ross (201-G/F-80, agency: Court Side, college: Santa Clara) (U. Mobitelco) have decided to move on to new clubs in Romania this season.

Still looking for a club and expected to find new homes in the league this season include (name/former club): Tyrone Mitchell (186-PG-81, agency: SDJ Sports, college: Northwestern St.) (currently negotiating with clubs in Romania and in other countries) (186-PG-81, agency: SDJ Sports, college: Northwestern St.) (Oradea), Jason Straight (188-G-83, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Wyoming) (Targe Mures), Kevin Sims (178-G-88, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Tulane) (Giurgiu), Raymond Kraemer (193-G-87, college: Nevada) (Giurgiu), and Zoran Milovic (204-C/F-77) (Giurgiu) as the clubs have reported in the transfer section of the federation website of the release of the roster spot to accomodate new players. Meanwhile, Damien Kinloch (203-F-80, college: Tenn Tech) has stated that he has signed to return to the club Pitesti for the 2012-2013 campaign.

Giurgiu has announced their 12 man roster entering a planned August 15 start to training: Brandon Johnson (183-G-86, college: San Diego) Daniel Bivolaru (185-G) Brian Burrell (192-G-84, agency: TSS Management, college: UTPA) Derek Thomas (193-F-84, college: Appalachian St.) Virgil Georgescu (195-F-93) Iulian Corneanu (197-F-89) Adrian Vatculescu (197-F) Cristian Nicolae (198-F) Devon Pearson (198-F-84, college: SMU) Marius Gasca (199-F) Catalin Vlaicu (203-C-86) and Trevor Harvey (211-C-80, college: Florida St.). More player movement news around the league will be announced shortly.


*****************************************************
  RUSSIA   


Alexey Shved leaves CSKA Moscow for Minnesota - by Eurobasket News

Guard Alexey Shved used the NBA option of his CSKA contract to move to Minnesota Timberwolves. Our club wishes Alexey successful career overseas.

Shved started to play basketball in his native Belgorod with his father Victor as his first coach. He joined our team as 16-year old player and he is a graduate of CSKA junior project. Alexey debuted in the main team in 2006-07 season, spent part of the season in BC Khimki on rent and got back to army club to become a regular member of rotation. Shved spent the second part of 2008-09 season on rent again in Dynamo Moscow but returned to wear red-blue uniform again. Alexey has become a key player for CSKA in 2010 and he finished the previous season as BEKO PBL playoffs MVP and second in the Euroleague history in 3-point percentage (49.1%).

Shveds stats in CSKA: 6.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.2 blocked shots in 14.7 minutes in 78 Eurolague games, 8.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.2 blocked shots in 18.1 minutes in 30 VTB League games, 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.2 blocked shots in 20.4 minutes in 58 Russian regular championship games.

Andrey Vatutin, CSKA President:
'One of websites included Alexey to the list of the eligible bachelors in Russia last spring, so his departure is a serious hit for the potential brides... Seriously, I have dual feelings. From one side, I am sure that Alexey could become one of CSKA leaders next season, he could help us to fulfill our dream. Probably he could spend a season or two in Europe, to become stronger in all aspects and leave overseas after that. From the other side I know Alexey for a long time, I realize that it will be easy for him to adapt to the life in the USA, more than for anyone else. From this point of view he is ready to play in the NBA. The estimates can be done only after some time but everything is in Shved's hands. Therefore I am happy for Alexey, because I have only warm feelings towards him, he grew as a player and a person in front of me. He deserved the contract. So we are all happy for him. NBA remains as the strongest basketball league in the world, and every players dream is to try himself on the highest level. I am sure that Shved has enough talent and skills to help his new team. Id like to wish him not to stop improving, to show himself, to proudly represent Russian and CSKA basketball.'

Alexey Shved:
'I'd like to sincerely thank CSKA players, coaches, clubs staff, Andrey Vatutin in person. We have spent great years together and I had the chance to stay. Still I decided to try myself on the highest level, to use the possibility to play in the NBA. Hopefully, I will be doing fine in Minnesota, I will try hard. And it will be a pleasure to return to Moscow, to visit USH CSKA. '

Courtesy of CSKA Moscow


Unics signs 2-year deal with Pavel Antipov - by Eurobasket News

Unics Kazan officially announced signing of Pavel Antipov (203-F-91) for the next two years. The Russian forward heads to his new team from Spartak St. Petersburg, where he played just 12 games last season in Russian league, VTB and EuroCup. Antipov also played for their U23 team. Pavel Antipov joined Spartak in 2009 from Samara. In their first year together Antipov mostly played for U23 team. In 2010/11, he was loaned to Nizhny Novgorod, but had very limited playing time.
Pavel Antipov played for the Russian U20 NT last summer. He had 9.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for 9 games at U20 EuroBasket in Bilbao. They reached Semifinals. Antipov also played at U20 EuroBasket in Croatia two years ago. In the past, he was a member of U18 and U16 Russia. With U18 NT the player exploded at 2009 EuroBasket in Metz. He had 21.7 ppg and 10 rpg for 3 games at this event.


U16 European Championship: Russia open win count - by Eurobasket News

Russia U16 - Slovenia U16 71:63

Russia celebrated the first win at the U16 European Championship. They fired past Slovenia in the classification round. Stepan Getmanov (196-PF-96) accounted for 15 points in the victory.
Russia stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. They outscored Slovenia 26:12 in the first ten minutes. Russia maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They posted a 40:25 halftime lead. Russia stayed in control in the third term. They opened a 22-point advantage with one quarter to go. Slovenia however refused to surrender. They went on a 24:10 rally but came up short of the victory at the end. Ilya Karpenkov (200-C-97) delivered 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Maxim Morozov (202-PF-96) had 11 points in the winning case. Nejc Zupan (203-PG-96) answered with 16 points for Slovenia. Domen Janc (185-PG-96) netted 13 points in the loss.

Russia U16: Stepan Getmanov 15, Ilya Karpenkov 13+11 boards, Maxim Morozov 11
Slovenia U16: Nejc Zupan 16, Domen Janc 13


*****************************************************
  SERBIA   


U16 European Championship: Serbia open second round with victory - by Eurobasket News

Serbia U16 - Greece U16 62:53

Serbia celebrated the first win at the second round of U16 European Championship. They overcame Greece in Group F. The victory propelled Serbia at 2-1 record, while Greece slipped at 1-2.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening frame. The scoreboard read 16:16 after ten minutes. Greece pulled in front in the second quarter. The Hellenes accumulated a 31:29 halftime lead. Serbia however bounced back in the third term. They stiffened defence and held Greece to just 4 points in the quarter. Serbia earned a 41:35 lead at the final break. Greece got within two points with just over two minutes remaining. Jovan Starincevic (188-PG-96) and Nikola Pavlovic (199-PF-96) stepped up for Serbia at the moment and helped the team to snatch a tough win at the end. Jovan Starincevic accounted for 12 points for Serbia. Nikola Pavlovic added 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Stefan Lazarevic (193-SG-96) had 9 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Greece answered with 17 points from Dimitrios Stamatis (192-G-96). Vasileios Charalampopoulos (199-F-97) netted 10 points in the loss.

Serbia U16: Jovan Starincevic 12, Nikola Pavlovic 11+11 boards, Stefan Lazarevic 9+11 boards
Greece U16: Dimitrios Stamatis 17, Vasileios Charalampopoulos 10


Heat showing interest in Darko Milicic - by Eurobasket News

The Miami Heat are kicking the tires on a number of big men to round out its 2012/13 squad, one of whom is a member of the illustrious draft class that produced LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.

Darko Milicic's (7'0''-C-85) agent told the Sun Sentinel last week that the Heat have inquired about Milicic after he was released via the amnesty clause by the Minnesota Timberwolves. "We have had some conversation," Marc Cornstein said to the Sentinel. "We've certainly talked about it."

Milicic was the second player chosen in the 2003 draft, just after James and two picks before Bosh (then Wade) were selected. After two and a half seasons riding the bench in Detroit, the Pistons traded him to Orlando, and he has played for three other teams in the interim.

Milicic only has two seasons with more than 23 starts under his belt, a 64-start season with Memphis in 2007/08 and 69-game season with Minnesota in 2010/11. For his career he has averaged 6.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks a game.

Milicic's agent called the Heat's overtures just "preliminary conversations," but his status as an amnestied player gives Miami some help in signing him. Like Lewis, who was amnestied by New Orleans earlier this offseason, Milicic will receive his entire salary from his former team next year, making him less likely to chase larger contract offers elsewhere.

Miami can only offer the veteran minimum of $1.3 million to Milicic. They gave the same deal to Lewis, who will receive $14 million from New Orleans.

The Heat have already added Ray Allen and Lewis to its deep bench, but still want a center to complement a rotation of Bosh and Joel Anthony. The Heat will reportedly take another look at Ronny Turiaf, who opted out of a one-year player option ahead of the start of free agency.

The 7-foot Milicic offers a size advantage over Turiaf, but Miami could still go with recent draft pick Justin Hamilton or reserve center Dexter Pittman as well. The Heat do not have the financial flexibility to target anyone who can earn more than the veteran minimum elsewhere, so they will have to acquire a center with more than a few flaws, as each of the four centers mentioned above have.

But when the biggest question mark heading into a title defense is the 13th guaranteed contract on the roster, it is safe to say that the Heat are suffering only from the problem of abundance this offseason.

Courtesy of www.nbcmiami.com


*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA   


U16 European Championship: Russia open win count - by Eurobasket News

Russia U16 - Slovenia U16 71:63

Russia celebrated the first win at the U16 European Championship. They fired past Slovenia in the classification round. Stepan Getmanov (196-PF-96) accounted for 15 points in the victory.
Russia stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. They outscored Slovenia 26:12 in the first ten minutes. Russia maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They posted a 40:25 halftime lead. Russia stayed in control in the third term. They opened a 22-point advantage with one quarter to go. Slovenia however refused to surrender. They went on a 24:10 rally but came up short of the victory at the end. Ilya Karpenkov (200-C-97) delivered 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Maxim Morozov (202-PF-96) had 11 points in the winning case. Nejc Zupan (203-PG-96) answered with 16 points for Slovenia. Domen Janc (185-PG-96) netted 13 points in the loss.

Russia U16: Stepan Getmanov 15, Ilya Karpenkov 13+11 boards, Maxim Morozov 11
Slovenia U16: Nejc Zupan 16, Domen Janc 13


*****************************************************
  SPAIN   


U16 European Championship: Defending champions gain tempo - by Eurobasket News

Croatia U16 - Spain U16 79:67

Croatia earned victory at the start of the second round of U16 European Championship. The defending champions held off Spain in Group E. Lovro Mazalin (198-SF-97) came up with 23 points and 7 rebounds as Croatia improved at 1-2 record in Group E. Spain fell at 2-1 record after the loss.
Croatia and Spain exchanged baskets throughout the opening quarter. The Croats eked out a 22:21 lead ten minutes into the game. They stretched the lead in the second quarter. Croatia ensured a 41:38 halftime advantage. The gap grew in the third quarter. Croatia opened an 11-point lead heading into the fourth stanza. They kept Spain at bay throughout the period and raced to the victory at the end. Ivan Vucic (195-SG-96) had 14 points, while Luka Bozic (188-PG-96) added 13 points and 9 rebounds in the victory. Marc Garcia (194-F-96) answered with 14 points for Spain. Marc Bauza (205-C-96) and Francisco Alonso (188-G-96) netted 10 points each in the loss.

Croatia U16: Lovro Mazalin 23, Ivan Vucic 14, Luka Bozic 13
Spain U16: Marc Garcia 14, Marc Bauza 10, Francisco Alonso 10


Caceres keep Pedro Robles - by Eurobasket News

Pedro Robles (192-G-77) will stay with Caceres for another season. The guard has agreed on terms of contract extension with the team. Pedro Robles joined Caceres at the start of the previous season. The guard notched 9.0 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in LEB Gold. He reached LEB Gold semis together with Caceres. Previously Pedro Robles had stints with CB Murcia, Tenerife, Pamesa Valencia, Gijon and Estudiantes. He was LEB Gold champion in 2011. Pedro Robles also celebrated Spanish Cup title back in 2000. Pedro Robles also played on high level in Europe. He participated in Korac Cup Final in 1999 and clinched ULEB Cup title in 2003.


Planasa Navarra keeps F Anton Savitski for the next season - by Eurobasket News

Planasa Navarra kept another player for the upcoming season. After Inaki Sanz (190-PG-84) and Inaki Narros (194-G-81), the team signed contract extension with Anton Savitski (196-F-86). The Spanish forward joined Navarra a year ago from Merida. He got a chance in 28 LEB Gold games averaging 2.8 points and 1.8 rebounds. The team reached Playoff Semifinals. It is expected that Savitski will get more minutes next season.
As mentioned above, before Navarra Anton Savitski played for Merida. He shined with 17.4 ppg and 8/9 rpg for 22 games in EBA. The team was regular season runner-up in Group D. In 2009/10, Savitski played for Santrutzi. There he had 7.5 ppg and 4.1 rpg for 28 games in LEB Silver. The player also has experience from Guadalajara, Alemeria and Cazorla.


Palencia returns swingman Xavier Forcada - by Eurobasket News

Xavier Forcada (195-G/F-88) is back to Palencia after three years. The Spanish swingman signed a deal for the next season. He spent the last one with Caceres averaging 5.5 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.5 steals in 44 LEB Gold games. They reached Playoff Semifinals. Forcada reached LEB Gold Semis also with Breogan a year ago. There he had 4.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2 apg for 38 games. Forcada played for Ceceres in 2009/10 as well.
As mentioned above, Xavier Forcada already played for Palencia and that was in 2008/09 season. He had 6.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.1 apg for 29 games helping Palencia to win the LEB Silver title. Forcada joined the club in January of 2008 and finished 2007/08 season there. Before Palencia, he played for LHospitalitet and Cornella. In the past, Forcada played for Spanish youth National Teams.


UCAM Murcia adds Jose Angel Antelo for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

UCAM Murcia announced signing of Jose Angel Antelo (203-F/C-87) for the next season. The player spent last two years with LEB Gold team Caceres. Last season he had 14.7 ppg and 7.8 rpg in 42 games and was named to Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold 2nd Team -12. Murcia reached Playoff Semifinals and Antelo was also awarded with Eurobasket.com Spanish LEB Gold All-Domestic Players Team -12. In his first season the club he had 10.9 ppg and 6.3 rpg for 36 games.
Before Caceres, Jose Angel Antelo split 2009/10 season between Fuenlabrada and Leon. With Fuenla he appeared 14 times in ACB averaging 3.1 points and 2.1 rebounds. Later the player added 10.2 ppg and 5.9 rpg for Leon in LEB Gold. In 2008/09, Antelo played for Tenerife Rural and year before that he spent with L'Hospitalitet. Antelo is a product of Real Madrid youth selections. He played for Spanish U20, U18 and U16 National Team in the past.


Gran Canaria inks 3-year deal with F Eulis Baez - by Eurobasket News

Eulis Baez (198-F-82, college: W.Illinois) is a new member of Gran Canaria. Dominican Republic National Team forward penned a 3-year deal with Granca. He arrives to the club from Joventut Badalona, where he had 9.5 ppg and 5.2 rpg in 24 Liga Endesa games last season. Baez played for Valladolid from 2009 until the last summer. He had 9.1 ppg and 5.2 rpg for them in their second season together. In 2008/09, the forward played for LEB Gold team Vic. He also has experience from Western Illinois University, Florida International University and Southeastern Community College. Eulis Baez is active member of Dominican Republic NT since 2006. He had 9 ppg and 4 rpg for 5 games at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas. Last summer, Baez led Dominican Republic to Gold at Centrobasket in San Juan. They also grabbed bronze medals at FIBA Americas in Mar del Plata and Marchand Cup in Foz de Iguazu.


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  SWEDEN   


U16 European Championship: The Scandinavian team wins Group A - by Eurobasket News

Belarus U18-Sweden U18 71:78

The Scandinavian team wins Group A of the U16 European Championship in Division B. Sweden needed 78:71 win over Belarus to clinch the top place with 4-0 record. The latter meanwhile finished with 1-3 record on the 4th place in the group.
Belarus surprised the favorites of the group with 24-16 in the first period and led 8 points at the halftime. Anton Karatkevic (192-F-96)h sent the teams to the lockers at 42:34 as he made a dunk. Sweden however erupted with 15-0 run and grabbed 49:42 midway through the third frame. The managed to keep the opponents scoreless for about 7 minutes in the start of the quarter. Mikita Astapenka (198-C-96) meanwhile tied the game at 49:49 and Svanstrom closed the third period at 53:51. Sweden pushed the tempo for good in the last stanza and won the game.
Sheriff Drammeh (186-G-96) top-scored for the winners with 24 points, while Ludvig Swanstrom (196-F-96) collected 17 points and 13 rebounds. Hall Eriksson finished the game with 11 points, while William Skagius (200-PF-96) had 9 points and 13 boards. Maksim Salash (203-C-96) ended up with 21 points in the losing effort and Roman Rubinshteyn (190-PG-96) posted 17. Mikita Astapenka delivered 9, whilst Anton Karatkevic scored 5.

Belarus U18: Maksim Salash 21, Roman Rubinshteyn 17, Mikita Astapenka 9, Anton Karatkevic 5
Sweden U18: Sheriff Drammeh 24, Ludvig Swanstrom 17+13 rebs, Hall Eriksson 11, William Skagius 9+13 rebs


Sundsvall Dragons sign G Emil Salon - by Eurobasket News

Emil Salon (191-G-85) is a new member of the Sundsvall Dragons. The Swedish guard signed a deal for the 2012/13 season. He arrives to the club after two years with LF Basket. In the latest one the player had 7.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg for 37 Basketligan games. In his first year with LF Basket Salon collected 8.4 ppg and 2.1 rpg in 42 games. The team was regular season runner-up and later reached Playoff Semifinals.
Before LF Basket, Emil Salon spent four years with Gothia Basket. He had the best stats in 2007/08 season averaging 13.9 points and 2.4 rebounds for 31 games. He picked up Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Co-Most Improved Player of the Year -08. In the past, Salon played for Jamtland and Hogsbo Lions.


Cimberio Varese adds swingman Erik Rush - by Eurobasket News

Cimberio Varese officially announced signing of a 2-year deal with swingman Erik Rush (197-G/F-88, college: Montana St.). The player appeared 10 times for the Cypriot squad Pizza Express Apollon averaging 14.1 points last season. He led them to Playoff Semifinals. Rush is a product of Montana State University, where he graduated something more than a year ago. He shined with 15.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2.8 apg for 31 games as a senior. He was named All-Big Sky Conference Honorable Mention -11. The player had 11.1 ppg and 4.3 rpg for 29 games in his junior season. Erik Rush is candidate for the Swedish National Team.
Yesterday, Varese signed a deal with PG Mike Green (185-PG-85, college: Butler). Earlier this month they added Andrea De Nicolao (185-PG-91), Bryant Dunston (202-F/C-86) and Dusan Sakota (209-SF-86, agency: Beo Basket). According to rumors, the team was interested in Shawn James.


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  SWITZERLAND   


U16 European Championship: Hungary beat Switzerland to take the Second Stage ticket - by Eurobasket News

Switzerland U16-Hungary U16 46:65

Hungary beat Switzerland to take the Second Stage ticket at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Hungarian team improved to 4-1 record and finished in the top two places from Group D. Switzerland meanwhile ended up with 3-2 record and sealed the third position that will give them a chance to play for the 9th-16 th place.
It was the top game of the group as only the winner could join the Elite Eight. Hungary produced a 21-16 lead in the opening period and added 18-12 in the second frame. Anthony Polite (190-SF-97) and Meszaros exchanged the early baskets in the third period as Hungary posted 18-11 in it. Moreover they won the last stanza 8-7 and grabbed the fourth win in the group.
Levente Nagy (194-SG-96) top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Gyorgy Goloman (204-F/C-96) collected 12 points and 10 rebounds. Mattia Cafisi (181-PG-97) finished the game with 14 points and Luka Mandic (195-F-96) added 11. Anthony Polite had 10 points and 17 rebounds, whilst Christian Tukama (190-PF-97) posted 5.

Switzerland U16: Mattia Cafisi 14, Luka Mandic 11, Anthony Polite 10+17 rebs, Christian Tukama 5
Hungary U16: Levente Nagy 17, Gyorgy Goloman 12+10 rebs


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  TURKEY   


Mersin brings in Ali Karadeniz (Michael Wright) for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

Mersin announced signing of Ali Karadeniz (203-F-80, college: Arizona) (Michael Wright) for the 2012/13 season. He arrives to the club from Turk Telekom Ankara. Karadeniz played 29 games in TBL last season averaging 15.9 points and 5.7 rebounds. He participated at the All-Star Game. The player had even better numbers for 6 games in EuroChallenge: 18.3 ppg and 5.2 rpg.
Ali Karadeniz played for Trabzon in 2010/11 season. There he exploded with 23 ppg and 7.6 rpg for 29 games in TB2L. He was the top scorer of the competition. Before Trabzon, Karadeniz played one year for the Polish squad Turow Zgrozelec. He was the best scorer of PLK with 21 ppg for 29 games. In EuroCup, Karadeniz had 19.3 ppg for 6 games. He played for Turk Telekom from 2007 to 2009. The player also has experience from Besiktas, ALBA Berlin, Pau-Orthez and Hapoel Tel-Aviv. In 2006, Karadeniz was named Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Import Player of the Year as a member of Besiktas.


Bulls set to decline match on Asik offer sheet - by Eurobasket News

The New York Post reports and ESPN confirms that the Chicago Bulls are set to sign veteran free agent center Nazr Mohammed (6'10''-C-77, college: Kentucky). The implication is that Mohammed's signing means the Bulls will not match the offer sheet for restricted free agent Omer Asik (7'0''-C-86), a three-year, $25 million "poison pill" offer structured the same way guard Jeremy Lin's was.

Mohammed played quality but limited minutes for the Thunder the past two seasons, as Cole Aldrich's emergence limited his role for Oklahoma City. Mohammed, 34, provides the Bulls with a capable and experienced defender to slide onto a suddenly very different Bulls bench team.

The Rockets have signed Asik to a three-year $25 million offer sheet with a "poison pill" in the last year of the contract totaling $14.8 million in a cap hit. The cap structure for the Rockets averages the deal over the three years while retaining the actual salary structure.

Whether this deal will affect Houston's pursuit of Dwight Howard is unknown but multiple reports have indicated the Rockets intend to go forward with their pursuit of the All-Star center with Asik as the defensive presence off the bench he was for the Bulls. That's a lot of coin for a reserve.

The Bulls, meanwhile, will have an almost entirely new bench next season. C.J. Watson, John Lucas III, and Asik are gone. Whether the new bench unit can keep up the production the old one did is a big task and a huge question mark. Free agent signing Kirk Hinrich will man the starting role most likely until Derrick Rose returns from the ACL injury he suffered in last year's playoffs.

The decision comes as the kind that can ge defended or criticized pretty easily. It's not difficult to argue that Asik's lack of an offensive game in any capacity limits his warranting a contract offer of that magnitude, and keeping flexibility open for the future is essential to remaining in title contention. On the other hand, this screams of a purely financial move, and yet another initiative by Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf to avoid paying the luxury tax, despite having the most profitable team in the league according to some measures.

Either way, things will not be the same for the Bulls this year, and it's difficult to argue in an ever-expanding arms race across the Eastern Conference that the Bulls have taken a step forward, or even held steady.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com


David Andersen in on Fenerbahce's target - by Eurobasket News

David Andersen (211-C-80) in on Fenerbahce's target for the upcoming season. The Turkish team hopes to get the player from Siena.
In 2011-2012 for Montepaschi Siena (Italy-SerieA) he averaged 11.7ppg, 6.2rpg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 73.8% in EuroLeague and in Italian League showed 13.9ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 85.5%.
David Andersen started the season 2010/2011 with Toronto Raptors registering 5.1 ppg and 3.1 rpg for 11 NBA games. In November, Toronto traded him to New Orleans Hornets where Andersen stayed for rest of the season. He had 2.8 ppg and 1.8 rpg for 28 games with the Hornets. In 2009/10, Andersen averaged 5.8 ppg and 3.3 rpg with Houston. He joined the Rockets in 2009 from Regal Barca. From 2004 to 2008, Andersen was a member of CSKA Moscow, where he moved from Montepaschi Siena. In the past, Andersen also played for Kinder Bologna, Wollongong Hawks and AIS (Australian Institute of Sport).


U16 European Championship: Turkey rally past Ukraine - by Eurobasket News

Turkey U16 - Ukraine U16 72:57

Turkey clinched the opening win at the Second Round of U16 European Championship. They outscored Ukraine in Ventspils. Turkey thus improved at 2-1 record, while Ukraine slipped at 1-2 in Group E. Akif Guven (206-C-96) accounted for 15 points to pace the winners.
Turkey held Ukraine to 9 points in the starting quarter to take a 2-point lead. Turkey stayed aggressive defensively. They ensured a 23:19 halftime advantage. Turkey increased the tempo in the third quarter. They unloaded 26 points in the third frame to pile up a 7-point lead at the final intermission. Turkey kept Ukraine at bay throughout the fourth frame cruising to the victory at the end. Mehmet Alemdaroglu (205-F-96) accounted for 14 points, while Okben Ulubay (200-F-97) and Tolga Gecim (202-PG-96) netted 9 points each for the winners. Yevgen Balaban (198-PF-96) answered with 14 points for Ukraine. Sergii Pryimak (200-PF-96) had 13 points in the losing case.

Turkey U16: Akif Guven 15, Mehmet Alemdaroglu 14, Okben Ulubay 9, Tolga Gecim 9
Ukraine U16: Yevgen Balaban 14, Sergii Pryimak 13


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  UKRAINE   


U16 European Championship: Turkey rally past Ukraine - by Eurobasket News

Turkey U16 - Ukraine U16 72:57

Turkey clinched the opening win at the Second Round of U16 European Championship. They outscored Ukraine in Ventspils. Turkey thus improved at 2-1 record, while Ukraine slipped at 1-2 in Group E. Akif Guven (206-C-96) accounted for 15 points to pace the winners.
Turkey held Ukraine to 9 points in the starting quarter to take a 2-point lead. Turkey stayed aggressive defensively. They ensured a 23:19 halftime advantage. Turkey increased the tempo in the third quarter. They unloaded 26 points in the third frame to pile up a 7-point lead at the final intermission. Turkey kept Ukraine at bay throughout the fourth frame cruising to the victory at the end. Mehmet Alemdaroglu (205-F-96) accounted for 14 points, while Okben Ulubay (200-F-97) and Tolga Gecim (202-PG-96) netted 9 points each for the winners. Yevgen Balaban (198-PF-96) answered with 14 points for Ukraine. Sergii Pryimak (200-PF-96) had 13 points in the losing case.

Turkey U16: Akif Guven 15, Mehmet Alemdaroglu 14, Okben Ulubay 9, Tolga Gecim 9
Ukraine U16: Yevgen Balaban 14, Sergii Pryimak 13


Khimik bring in Suad Sehovic - by Eurobasket News

Khimik Yuzny strengthened their backcourt. They announced the arrival of Suad Sehovic (197-G/F-87). The Montenegrin guard is not new to Ukraine. He spent the last season with Budivelnyk. Suad Sehovic tallied 9.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in VTB League. In Superleague the guard averaged 11.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per appearance. Previously Suad Sehovic had spells in Slovenia and Bosnia. Eurobasket.com named Suad Sehovic All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League Defensive Player Player of the Year in 2009. He also made it onto All-Bosnia and Herzegovina League 2nd Team in 2010. Suad Sehovic has been the member of Montenegrin National Team since 2008.


Politekhnika-Halychyna keep Yaroslav Zubrytskyi - by Eurobasket News

Politekhnika-Halychyna kept Yaroslav Zubrytskyi (202-F-74) for the next season. The forward has agreed on terms of new contract with the Lviv team. Yaroslav Zubrytskyi joined Halychyna back in 2007. Last season the forward averaged 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in Superleague. Previously Yaroslav Zubrytskyi had stints with Khimik, MBC Odessa, Yambol, CSK-Riko Kiev and Dendi Basket. Eurobasket.com named Yaroslav Zubrytskyi Superleague Most Improved Player of the Year in 2004. He was the member of Ukrainian National Team in 1998/2008 seasons.


MBC Mykolaiv keeps young Anatoliy Shundel - by Eurobasket News

MBC Mykolaiv extended deal with Anatoliy Shundel (190-PG-93). The player was close to leave this summer, but at the end he signed a contract extension with the club. The 18-year-old point guard averaged 3.6 points in 11 Superleague games last season. He got a chance 13 times in 2010/11.
Anatoliy Shundel played for Ukraine at U20 EuroBasket in Slovenia. He had 1.4 ppg and 1 rpg for 5 games at this event. Ukraine finished as No.12. A year ago, Shundel played for U18 Ukraine at U18 EuroBasket in Poland. There he had 4.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 1.9 spg for 11 games. There were some rumors earlier this summer that BC Kyiv is interested for the player. Additionally, Shundel also considered playing for some other European team, but it is clear now that he stays with Mykolaiv.


Ukrainian Superleague preview... - by Matt Haufer

The Ukrainian Superleague has made great strides in recent years. From its website to a corporate logo and game highlights plus interviews on Youtube, the leagues presentation is getting better and better. As an additional service, all games are broadcasted live on the internet, mostly in very solid quality. Also, team budgets seem stable and most teams can afford exciting import players.
There are many signs that the competiton on the court will improve even further this upcoming season. Some of the bottom teams from the 2011/2012 edition seem very ambitious to change their situation.
Politekhnika-Halychyna brought back Serbian Head Coach Zeljko Lukajic (agency: Beo Basket ) who engineered a turnaround in the second half of the season. Veteran big man Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) will also be back. They inked point guard Sasa Vasiljevic (183-PG-79, agency: Beo Basket) who has previous Superleague experience and had a very good year with Donezk in 2010/2011. They then acquired LSU grad Darrel Mitchell (181-PG-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: LSU) who was one of the top backcourt players in the Superleague with Khimik last season and should be a major upgrade over Keddric Mays (183-G-84). On the other hand, they need to stomach the departure of versatile swingman Lance Harris who joined Vanoli Cremona in Italy.
SK Cherkasy Monkeys opted for a coaching change after a disappointing season and went with former Lukoil Academic head man Jovica Arsic . In regard to player personnel, they obtained SF Denis Ikovlev (201-SF-86, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav, college: Nevada) who averaged 10.2ppg, 4.9rpg and 2.0apg with Khimik in 2011/2012. Former Serbian league top guard Marko Ljubicic (195-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) comes over from Ikaros in Greece A1.
MBC Mykolaiv chose the Baltic route: Former Liepajas Lauvas head coach Agris Galvanovskis brought two of his players with him to Ukraine: Scoring combo guard Josh Mayo (182-G-87, agency: Ryzhov Stanislav, college: Ill.-Chicago) should be a 15-ppg scorer in the Superleague and big guard Martins Kravcenko (192-G-85) was a Baltic League honorable mention last season.
Vasilis Fragias is the new captain on the bridge of SK Dnipro Azot Dniprodzerzhynsk. The veteran Greek head coach last guided Kolossos Rodou in Greece A1. His first major signing was Power Forward Alan Wiggins (206-F-85, college: USF) who had a very good season with Halychyna in 2010/2011 and last played in Pro A France.
Kryvbasbasket, the best of the teams with a negative record in 2011/2012, brought in Latvian Head Coach Karlis Muiznieks (agency: Alti Sport ), the reigning Coach of the Year in the Polish PLK who guided Trefl Sopot to the Polish Cup title and the PLK finals. The team renewed the contract of American combo guard Pierce Caldwell (191-G-88, agency: Alti Sport, college: Incarnate Word) who had a solid first year with 11ppg, 3rpg and 3apg with good shooting percentages.
All in all it looks as if the bottom-feeders from last season will not be that easy to beat this upcoming year


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  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES   


Schomers back to Al Ahli - by Ali Ahmed

Al Ahli Dubai decided to renew the contract of coach Peter Schomers for the coming season

coach Peter won the league and the cup with Al Ahli Dubai in 2011/2012

Awards/Achievements:
Coach Assistant: Austrian A Bundesliga All-Star Game -05
Austrian Cup Finalist -07
Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Coach of the Year -08
Romanian League All-Star Game -08
Romanian League Regular Season Runner-Up -08
Romanian League Semifinals -08, 09
WABA Club Championships -10
Lebanese League Semifinals -10
Kuwait League Regular Season Runner-Up -11
Kuwait League Cup Winner -11
Head Coach: Lebanese National Team -11


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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Belgium edge Great Britain in Antwerp - by Eurobasket News

Belgium - Great Britain 79:56

Great Britain played their last preparation game before the start of Olympic Games basketball tournament. Great Britain faced Belgium in Antwerp. The hosts claimed a confident victory. Maxime De Zeeuw (205-PF-87) knocked down 15 points to lead the charge.
Belgium secured a confident start. They built a 21:15 lead at the first break. The Lions boosted the lead in the second quarter. They secured a 39:24 halftime advantage. Belgium stayed in charge throughout the third term. They arrived at the final intermission up by 21 points 58:37. The Lions outscored their opponents in the final frame and sealed a comfortable victory at the end. Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86) provided 13 points for Belgium. Beye Tabu-Eboma (190-PG-85) had 11 points in the victory. Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: G.Washington) answered with 18 points for Great Britain. Eric Boateng (208-C-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona St.) had 12 points and 15 rebounds in the loss.

Belgium: Maxime De Zeeuw 15, Sam Van Rossom 13, Beye Tabu-Eboma 11
Great Britain: Pops Mensah-Bonsu 18, Eric Boateng 12+15 boards


U16 European Championship: England celebrate first win - by Eurobasket News

England U16 - Czech Republic U16 86:77

England earned the first win at the U16 European Championship. They knocked down Czech Republic in classification round Group G. Jules Akodo (G-96) knocked down 16 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and issued 7 assists to lead Great Britain.
England fired 27 points in the first term to take a 3-point lead. England maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. They limited the Czech team to 12 points in the period to ensure a 45:36 halftime advantage. Czech Republic took over in the third quarter. They limited the English team to 11 points in the third stanza and got within two points at the final intermission 54:56. England opened the final frame on a 6:2 run to clear off. The margin grew at 12-point mark midway through the fourth term and never looked back en route to the victory. Ikponmwosa Oghide (96) posted 15 points, while Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye (191-SG-96) and Joe Mvuezolo (193-SF-96) posted 11 points each for the winners. Matej Svoboda (200-PF-96) answered with 23 points for Czech Republic. David Pekarek (195-SF-96) had 11 points in the loss.

England U16: Jules Akodo 16, Ikponmwosa Oghide 15, Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye 11, Joe Mvuezolo 11
Czech Republic U16: Matej Svoboda 23, David Pekarek 11


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  URUGUAY   

Standings - Metropolitan League

Metropolitan Standings
 1. Marne 11-4 
 2. Atenas 10-5 
 3. Cader 9-6 
 4. Capitol 9-7 
 5. Larranaga 8-6 
 6. Goes 8-7 
 7. Urunday Univ. 8-8 
 8. Guruyu Waston 7-8 
 9. Verdirrojo 5-10 
 10. Romis N. 5-11 
 11. Yale 4-12 

Regular Season: Round 17

Jul. 20: Verdirrojo - Atenas 92-81
Jul. 20: Guruyu Waston - Capitol 76-56
Jul. 21: Larranaga - Romis N. 73-67
Jul. 21: Goes - Yale 72-63
Jul. 21: Cader - Urunday Univ. 68-64

Regular Season: Round 21

Jul. 27: Cader - Capitol
Jul. 27: Larranaga - Goes
Jul. 27: Marne - Atenas
Jul. 27: Guruyu Waston - Verdirrojo
Jul. 27: Yale - Urunday Univ.




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Women News


U16 Andorra outplays U16 Malta for fifth place in Gibraltar - by Eurobasket News

U16 Andorra - U16 Malta 45-34

Andorra was better than Malta 45-34 in the last day of U16 EuroBasket Division C in Gibraltar. It was a game for fifth place at this event and Andorra took it. Malta ended as No.6. Andorra won three quarters, while only the last one belonged to Malta. The winners were up by 6 at the halftime and they created 14-8 in Q3 for plus 12. Malta was not able to reply for rest of the way. Laura Navarro (167-G-96) paced the winning squad with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Anna Mana (170-F-96) had 16 points and 6 rebs, and Claudia Brunet (163-PG-96) added 6 points, plus 9 boards. In Malta, Francesca Mifsud (169-F-96) was the leading scorer with 9 points. Julia Xerri (167-G-96) had 8 pts and 11 rebs, while Iona Agius (153-SG-97) scored 6 points. Quarters: 14-10, 10-8, 14-8, 7-8. Iceland won the Gold at this event.

Andorra: Laura Navarro 17+6 boards+5 as, Anna Mana 16+6 boards, Claudia Brunet 6+9 boards
Malta: Francesca Mifsud 9, Julia Xerri 8+11 boards, Iona Agius 6


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  ANGOLA   


Angolan women looking to match success of men's team - by Olusegun Ikuesan

The people of Angola simply love their basketball and this is why a nation was left distraught when the mens team failed to live up to their top billing at the FIBA Africa Championship last summer and consequently missed out gold and also automatic qualification for London.

Having lived in the shadow of the men for so long, the Angolan womens team couldnt have chosen a more perfect moment to help ease the pain of a heartbroken nation.

The Gingas shocked everyone by finishing top of the podium at the FIBA Africa Championship to capture their first title and in the process, book their spot at the Olympic Games - previously a tournament only graced by the men.

It was a truly sensational result for Angola and not least because they were actually thrashed 63-42 by eventual silver medallists Senegal early in the competition.

But, showing great strength of character, they bounced back and eventually extracted revenge with a stellar and memorable 62-54 success in the Final.

The key to achieving this first glorious success was managing to shock hosts Mali and their fervent home supporters in an intense and defensively dominated semi-final.

Taking into account Mali had so often been the team to stop them in their tracks during previous tournaments, the victory gave Angola an overwhelming sense of belief that it was time to step forward and go for gold in a big way.

And so it proved. The earlier result against Senegal in the preliminary round become an irrelevance as they overpowered the defending champions to take their crown and spark scenes of celebration back home.

It also represented a magical moment for former mens coach Anibal Moreira who landed some precious silverware after a period of six years in the hot-seat although at times he has been left frustrated by a small number of quality players at his disposal.

There are only four womens clubs in Angola and all of them are based in the capital (Luanda) although despite this, the good news for womens basketball in Angola continued as Inter Clube de Luanda won its first African Club Championship to further showcase progression and development - despite a limited talent pool.

Certainly few players have ever had the chance to compete and hone their skills elsewhere in the world at club level. However one of the few players to have managed this and someone who was most definitely the main architect of their success last year is the unmistakable Nassecela Mauricio who was named MVP of the Championship.

The power forward has spent many years playing in the second tier of Spanish basketball and the contribution of the power forward was significant in Bamako and will be so again in London.

With some decent support likely to arrive in the form of Sonia Guadalupe, Angola does possess some interesting and talented players while as a team, they will be quick, aggressive and wont back down against anybody.

Worryingly they do lack depth and particularly in the frontcourt which is a concern and Coach Moreira is continuing to scout the globe in an attempt to bolster his roster by adding some options in the paint.

As the only team from Africa guaranteed to be at the Olympic Games, the first-timers could be representing an entire continent and while they are likely to find it tough going.

Nevertheless, it will be a priceless learning curve which can only benefit Angola in the medium to long term by further whetting their appetite for playing on the big stage in the future.

FIBA


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  AUSTRALIA   


Big V: Weekend Wrap- Round 17 - by Eurobasket News

An incredible penultimate round has seen Bullen and Hume City exit the finals race, Ringwood has moved to the front running of the finals race and Diamond Valley continue to hand in there. Of course the race is only for fourth spot, but its a race that wont reach the finish line until round 18.
Bulleens second-half of the season charge to the finals came to an abrupt end when they fell 59-77 to Eltham, a result that highlighted the difference between the two teams this year. A 46-31 first half by the Wildcats proved pivotal, as did Sam Woosnam (185-F-78) (15pts) and Sam Creeds (15pts) performances. Best for Bulleen were Lauren Pearce (15pts) and Amy Faulkner (14pts), but unfortunately it wasnt enough for any August action this year.
Hume Citys roller-coaster season continued right across round 17, starting with a commanding 70-48 win against Waverley, a victory that somehow kept the inconsistent Broncos in the finals race, at least for a few extra hours. Antonia Edmondson (181-F-87) (21pts) showed her class for the Broncos, while Melissa Moyle (184-F-87) (17pts) was again Waverleys leading player.
On the verge of edging back into the top four, the Broncos headed to Ringwood on Sunday with both teams literally facing a make-or-break, early finals eliminator. The visitors looked a good thing at half time with the scoreboard at 38-27, but when it came to the crunch it was a super 43-22 second-half by Ringwood that secured victory and delivered a spot back inside the top four. Late-season Ringwood import addition, Krista Rabenberg, produced her best game to date with 17pts and 12rbs, while Tori Hansen and Lisa Ewin each scored 14pts and Jackie Vanderzaag added 12pts and 11rbs. For the Broncos Antonia Edmondson poured in 25pts and Bianca Babic netted 14pts. The loss ended Hume Citys finals aspirations though they can end on the same number of wins as Ringwood, the Hawks have head-to-head. Bye-bye Broncos.
www.bigv.com.au
Another team trying to stay in the finals race is Diamond Valley, but a tough run home looks like being a thorn and that thorn dug deep in a 62-89 loss to top-of-the-ladder Melbourne. The Tigers opened with a 47-22 first half and finished the contest with an overall 46% shooting clip compared with the Eagles 29%. Alice Hammond (24pts, 12rbs) turned in her biggest game of the season for the winners and Isabella Brancatisano added 23pts, while for DV too much was left to Jayde Tyrell (17pts) and Christina Bernardi (17pts).
And finally, in a game with no bearing on the top four, McKinnon continued to adapt to a game plan without Laura Thomas (injured) with a 70-56 win against Sherbrooke. Julie Brookhouse (21pts) and Brooke McKay (16pts) led the cause for the Cougars, while Rachael Waterhouse (17pts, 10rbs) turned in her best game of the season for the Suns.
ROUND 17 RESULTS
Eltham 77 defeated Bulleen 59 Hume City 70 defeated Waverley 48 Melbourne 89 defeated Diamond Valley 62 McKinnon 70 defeated Sherbrooke 56 Ringwood 70 defeated Hume City 60
Diamond Valley has head-to-head on Ringwood, which means if the Hawks lose to Waverley this Sun-day and the Eagles beat McKinnon on Saturday night, the ladies from DV will grab fourth place. It could be a long weekend!
If Ringwood beats Waverley in Round 18 the Hawks will secure a finals berth, in other words the last playoff place is theirs to win, or lose. And just to add some spice, lets not forget Waverley beat Ringwood all the way back in round one by seven points.
Courtesy of: bigv.com.au


QBL: Players of the Week: Round 10 - by Eurobasket News

The womens Player of the Week title for Round 10 goes to Cayla Francis (192-C-89) from the Cairns Dolphins, for her strong performances during a testing double-header weekend for the side. Francis shot 23 points and took 20 rebounds during Saturday nights clash with the South West Metro Pirates, the Dolphins coming from behind in the third quarter after trailing for much of the match to take the 85 to 78 victory at Hibiscus Sports Complex. While not much between the teams on paper, Cairns were stronger on rebounds and second-chance points, helping to give them the edge over the home side. Francis also took four assists, three steals and one block during the match, shooting at 35 percent in the field and 75 percent at the foul line. She then backed this performance up by taking to the court the following day when the Dolphins took on the Gold Coast Rollers. Cairns conceded the match by four points but Francis performance of 26 points and 13 rebounds helped to keep the Dolphins in the fight right throughout the match. Francis statistics for the 2012 QBL season currently stand at 22.4 points, 16.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists on average per game, over the seven matches she has played this season.
The 23 year old has returned for her second season with the Dolphins in the QBL, previously taking out the Player of the Week award three times in rounds two, four and nine of last season, was also named Youth Player of the Year and also included in the QBL All-League Team. The South Australian competed for her state at the Under 16 and Under 18 Australian Junior Championships in 2005, winning a silver medal with SA Metro at the Under 18 national championships and in 2006 was named South Australian Under 21 Player of the Year. She was named Female MVP at the Under 20 National Championships in 2008. Francis has competed for a number of Australian representative sides, including 31 international matches as a junior national side player, and 14 matches in the Young Australia team. She was also a member of the Australian Gems Under 19 team in 2006 and in the same year was a member of the Australian Sapphires Under 21 side. The centre played for Australia at the 2007 FIBA Under 19 World Championship, where the team finished fifth and she averaged 12.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. In the same year she also earned a silver medal with Australia at the FIBA World Championship for Under 21 Women in Russia, averaging 8.6 points and 7.6 rebounds a game. In 2008 she was selected for the Australian Opals squad, and played against New Zealand in the same year. She has since been selected for the Opals in 2009, 2011 and 2012. In 2011 Francis represented Australia at the World University Games. Francis professional career began in 2005 with the Australian Institute of Sport, where she played for the WNBL side for the following three seasons, picking up the Rookie of the Year title for the 2007/2008 season after averaging 14.7 points per game and 10.8 rebounds per game on average. During the 2008/2009 season she signed with the Adelaide Lightning, playing for two seasons and averaging just over 15 points per game in both seasons. The 2010/2011 season saw her move to Logan Thunder for two seasons, averaging 14.3 points per game in 2011/2012. Francis has been signed to play with French side Pays dAix Basket Provence for the 2012/2013 European season.
Other contenders for Player of the Week for Round 10 include Nadeen Payne (188-F/C-93) for her 31 points and 12 rebounds in just 26 minutes for Ipswich Force against Maroochydore Clippers. Bundabergs Yvonne Turner (174-G-87, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Nebraska) was also points and strong with her 23 points against Brisbane, then backing up the following day to shoot 24 points against Northside. Rachel Warren (190-C-85, college: Portland) also put in a solid effort for the Brisbane Capitals in their loss, shooting 24 points and taking seven rebounds.
Courtesy of: qbl.basketball.net.au


AND1 SEABL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK - ROUND 17 - by Eurobasket News

Myra Donkin (173-G-84) Hobart Lady Chargers

After helping her team to another 2-0 road trip on the mainland, Hobart guard Myra Donkin earns her second Player of the Week recognition in three weeks after averaging 24.5pts, 4.5rebs and 6ass for the weekend. Donkin kick started her great weekend with 22pts@64%, 3rebs and 7ass against Albury/Wodonga on Friday. The following night Myra recorded 27pts@50%, 6rebs and 5ass, helping the Lady Chargers to a surprise victory over Dandenong.

Other notable performances were;

q Frankston Lady Blues Heather Bowman (188-F-88, college: Gonzaga) returned to her early season form with 30pts@59%, 6rebs and 3ass against Canberra on Friday night.

q Candice Rogers (183-F-84) recorded 17pts, 23rebs and 2blks in the Supercats 60-56 victory over Ballarat.

q Hobart Lady Chargers Import Lindsay Laur (182-F, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) averaged 18.5pts, 13rebs, 5.5ass and 2.5stls for the weekend
Courtesy of: www.seabl.com.au


WNBL tips-off October 5 - by Eurobasket News

The 2012/13 Womens National Basketball League (WNBL) season will tip-off on October 5 this year, with a rematch of last seasons Grand Final between the Dandenong Rangers and Bulleen Boomers featured on Opening Night.

Basketball Australia released the full 2012/13 WNBL schedule today, with all nine teams playing 24 home-and-away games during the regular season.

Opening Night features the Rangers hosting Bulleen at the Dandenong Basketball Centre in a rematch of the title game last season, when Dandenong beat Bulleen 94-70 to claim the WNBL title.

Opening Night also sees the Bendigo Spirit travel to Adelaide Arena to face the Adelaide Lightning. The Spirit face a first-up road double as they will journey to Perth as well to take on the West Coast Waves on Saturday 6 October.

The Canberra Capitals, who will be bolstered by the return of WNBA superstar Lauren Jackson sometime after the start of the new season, will visit old rivals the Sydney Uni Flames in Round One on Saturday 6 October.

Round One will also feature an all-Queensland clash when intrastate rivals the Townsville Fire host the Logan Thunder on Saturday 6 October at RSL Stadium in Townsville.

A key feature of the new WNBL season will be a series of games taken to regional centres. In Round Five the West Coast Waves will host Bulleen in Eaton, Western Australia while Logan will host a home game against Dandenong in Rockhampton, Queensland. Jackson will also play for the Caps before her adoring home crowd in Albury in the stadium which now bears her name in Round Seven. West Coast will also host Sydney Uni in Alice Springs in Round 18.

The regular season will consist of 19 rounds and will run through until 16 February. The 2013 WNBL Finals series will commence on Saturday 23 February with the Grand Final scheduled to be conducted on Sunday 10 March.

The 2012/13 WNBL season will once again feature live free-to-air television coverage on ABC-TV, with the broadcast schedule set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Courtesy of WNBL Australia


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  BELARUS   


U16 Denmark outplays U16 Belarus for 11th place in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News

U16 BELARUS - U16 DENMARK 71-77

Denmark celebrated in the last day of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Tallinn. They outplayed Belarus 77-71 in the game for 11th place at this event. Naturally, Belarus finished as No.12. Denmark was up by 9 points with ten minutes to go and jumped to plus 13 at the beginning of Q4. Belarus came to minus four, but it was all from them for rest of the way. Quarters: 18-23, 22-23, 15-18, 16-13. Sarah Mortensen (182-F-97) orchestred the victory with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Benedikte Von Sprechelsen (176-G-96) had 11 pts and 14 boards, and Sandra Raun (177-G-96) netted 10 pts. At the other side, Belarus got 16 points and 5 rebs from Hanna Brych (183-C-97). Dziyana Sizonava (175-SF-96) had 15 points and 6 boards, while Yanina Inkina (183-PF-97) posted 12 pts and 5 rebs. Lithuania is the gold medal winner in Tallinn.

Belarus: Hanna Brych 16+5 boards, Dziyana Sizonava 15+6 boards, Yanina Inkina 12+5 boards
Denmark: Sarah Mortensen 24+13 boards, Benedikte Von Sprechelsen 11+14 boards, Sandra Raun 10


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  BOSNIA   


Mladi Krajisnik inks Velinovic, Petkovic and Osterman - by Eurobasket News

Mladi Krajisnik is very active on the transfer market these days. The Bosnian squad penned 1-year deals with Jelena Velinovic (193-C-81), Tamara Petkovic (170-G-89) and Martina Osterman (188-F-88). The club also locked young Biljana Borenovic (188-F-94) until 2016.
Jelena Velinovic heads to Mladi Krajisnik from the German team ChemCats Chemnitz. She joined them in December averaging 5.3 points and 5.3 rebounds for 12 games. Velinovic started the season with Ukrainian Dynamo-NPU Kyiv collecting 9.7 ppg and 6.5 rpg for 6 games.
Tamara Petkovic spent last season with Jagodina 2011. She had 13 ppg, 5 apg, 5.1 rpg and 2.4 spg for 23 games in Serbia. Petkovic was No.1 in assists.
Martina Osterman changed three teams last season. She started with BCM Bega Danzio Timisoara and left them for TV Saarlouis Royals. In January she joined Sloboda Novi Grad registering 11.9 ppg and 5.1 rpg for 7 games in Adriatic league. She had slightly better numbers in Bosnia.


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  CYPRUS   


Iceland wins the title at U16 EuroBasket Division C - by Eurobasket News

U16 Iceland - U16 Cyprus 57-44

Iceland won the Gold at U16 EuroBasket Division C in Gibraltar. They handed 57-44 loss to Cyprus in the Big Final. Sara Run Hinriksdottir (181-F-96) was a key player in victory with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Sandra Lind Thrastardottir (180-C-96) also had amazing game collecting 8 points, 20 rebounds and 5 assists, while Gudbjorg Einarsdottir (164-PG-96) added 8 points. In defeat, Styliani Theodosiou (170-SG-96) top-scored with 18 points and Tijana Raca (176-SG-97) had 9 pts, plus 7 boards. Eleni Oikonomidou (180-C-97) followed them with 8 points and 10 rebounds. Iceland made 3-point lead in the first quarter and jumped to plus 12 until the halftime. Cyprus slightly improved after the breather, but it didnt help them to avoid 14-point deficit with ten minutes to go. Last quarter was just the formality and Iceland had no troubles to take the Gold in Gibraltar. Quarters: 16-13, 19-10, 10-8, 12-13.

Iceland: Sara Run Hinriksdottir 24+7 boards, Sandra Lind Thrastardottir 8+20 boards+5 as, Gudbjorg Einarsdottir 8
Cyprus: Styliani Theodosiou 18, Tijana Raca 9+7 boards, Eleni Oikonomidou 8+10 boards


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Cadi ICG Software inks Czech NT point guard Katerina Bartonova - by Eurobasket News

Katerina Bartonova (173-PG-90) will continue her career in Spain. The Czech Republic National Team point guard penned a 1-year deal with Cadi ICG Software (former Cai la Seu). Bartonova arrives to the club from VS Praha, where she finished last season. The PG joined them in December averaging 10.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4 assists for 28 games. She helped the team to reach ZBL and Cup Semifinals. Bartonova started the season with USK Praha, where she had 1.7 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 6 Euroleague games. She had better numbers for 13 games in ZBL: 4.5 ppg, 3.2 apg and 2.2 rpg. Katerina Bartonova joined USK Praha in 2008 from Sokol Hradec Kralove. With the Praha squad she won two championship titles in Czech Republic. As mentioned above, Bartonova is active member of the Czech Republic National Team. The point guard appeared in 3 games with them at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Ankara, but she had very limited playing time. At 2011 EuroBasket in Poland Bartonova averaged 2.8 points, 2.8 assists and 2.7 rebounds for 9 games. Czech Republic reached Semifinals at this event.


Spain U18 account for Czech Republic U18 - by Eurobasket News

Spain U18 - Czech Republic U18 87:43

Spanish U18 National Team earned the victory in the last preparatory game before the start of European Championship. They defeated Czech Republic behind 17 points from Marles Balart (182-F/C-94).
Spain surged ahead early in the game. They posted a 20:14 lead after ten minutes. The margin grew in the second quarter. Spain accumulated a 39:28 halftime lead. Czech Republic started to lag behind in the third quarter. Spain eased to a 22-point lead with one quarter remaining. Spain stunned their opponents with a 27:5 rally in the final quarter and sealed a comfortable win. Maria Arrojo (186-F-85) and Marina Lizaranzu (172-F-95) scored 13 points each for the winners. Pujol added 12 points in the victory. Karolina Severova (182-F-94) answered with 9 points for Czech Republic. Kamila Hoskova (174-F-95) notched 8 points in the losing case.

Spain U18: Marles Balart 17, Maria Arrojo 13, Marina Lizaranzu 13
Czech Republic U18: Karolina Severova 9, Kamila Hoskova 8


Katerina Zohnova heads to Liomatic Umbertide - by Eurobasket News

Katerina Zohnova (179-SF-84) heads to Liomatic Umbertide for the upcoming season. The Czech forward moves to Italy from France.
In 2004-2005 she started for BK Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary (D1) and debuted with 7.3ppg, 2.0rpg. Later she played for BK Loko Trutnov for 3 seasons and in the last one showed 14.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 83.3% in EuroCup, while in Czech Rep. League had 15.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 2FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 85.4%.
In 2008-2009 moved to AZS PWSZ Gorzow and in 2009-2010 played for Wisla Can-Pack Krakow (Poland-PLKK). In 2010-2011 appeared for Sony Athinaikos (Greece-A1) and averaged 9.1ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 86.4%. In Mar.'11 moved to Petrolina AEK Larnaca (Cyprus-A1) and then the season 2011-2012 started for Maccabi Bnot Ashdod (Israel-D1). In Jan.'12 Katerina Zohnova signed at USO Mondeville (France-LFB) and in French League averaged 8.3ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 76.5%. In EuroCup her stats read 9.5ppg, 1.0rpg.


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  DENMARK   


U16 Denmark outplays U16 Belarus for 11th place in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News

U16 BELARUS - U16 DENMARK 71-77

Denmark celebrated in the last day of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Tallinn. They outplayed Belarus 77-71 in the game for 11th place at this event. Naturally, Belarus finished as No.12. Denmark was up by 9 points with ten minutes to go and jumped to plus 13 at the beginning of Q4. Belarus came to minus four, but it was all from them for rest of the way. Quarters: 18-23, 22-23, 15-18, 16-13. Sarah Mortensen (182-F-97) orchestred the victory with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Benedikte Von Sprechelsen (176-G-96) had 11 pts and 14 boards, and Sandra Raun (177-G-96) netted 10 pts. At the other side, Belarus got 16 points and 5 rebs from Hanna Brych (183-C-97). Dziyana Sizonava (175-SF-96) had 15 points and 6 boards, while Yanina Inkina (183-PF-97) posted 12 pts and 5 rebs. Lithuania is the gold medal winner in Tallinn.

Belarus: Hanna Brych 16+5 boards, Dziyana Sizonava 15+6 boards, Yanina Inkina 12+5 boards
Denmark: Sarah Mortensen 24+13 boards, Benedikte Von Sprechelsen 11+14 boards, Sandra Raun 10


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  ESTONIA   


U16 Estonia keeps U16 Norway winless in Tallinn, ends as No.13 - by Eurobasket News

U16 ESTONIA - U16 NORWAY 69-34

Estonia is the winner of Group G in Tallinn. They blasted Norway 69-34 for the first place in this pool. It means that the host of U16 EuroBasket Division B finished as No.13 at this event, while Norway is the last ranked team with 0-4 record in Group G. The hosts dominated during the entire game against Norway. They made 16-point lead in Q1 and increased it to plus 26 for the next ten minutes. Norway was not able to respond and Estonia celebrated 35-point win at the end. Marie Roosalu (177-F-96) led Estonia with 17 pts and 9 rebounds. Kadri-Ann Lass (177-F-96) had 15 points and 8 rebs, and Kadri Uiga (183-F-97) added 10 pts, plus 15 rebs. The top-scorer in Norway was Nini Skjulhaug (169-SG-96) with only 6 points. Alida Dale (179-PF-96) had 5 pts and 5 rebs.

Estonia: Marie Roosalu 17+9 boards, Kadri-Ann Lass 15+8 boards, Kadri Uiga 10+15 boards
Norway: Nini Skjulhaug 6, Alida Dale 5+5 boards


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16   

Standings - Div.B - by Eurobasket News

Standings Div.B
Group E
1. Finland5-0
2. Portugal4-1
3. Ukraine3-2
4. Lithuania2-3
5. Israel1-4
6. Denmark0-5
Group F
1. Poland5-0
2. Latvia3-2
3. Slovenia3-2
4. Bulgaria3-2
5. Luxembourg1-4
6. Belarus0-5
Group G (positions 13-15)
1. Estonia4-0
2. Romania2-2
3. Norway0-4

Semi-Finals: Round 9

FINAL

Jul. 22: BUL - LTU 73-86

Places 11-12

Jul. 22: BLR - DEN 71-77

Places 13-15

Jul. 22: EST - NOR 69-34

Places 3-4

Jul. 22: LAT - POR 42-35 OT

Places 5-6

Jul. 22: UKR - POL 64-88

Places 7-8

Jul. 22: FIN - SLO 41-56

Places 9-10

Jul. 22: ISR - LUX 62-59


Division B: Lithuania is the champion in Tallinn, Bulgaria and Latvia also win promotion for Division A - by Eurobasket News

FINAL
Bulgaria - Lithuania 73-86
Lithuania is the gold medal winner at U16 EuroBasket Division B in Miskolc. They handed 86-73 loss to Bulgaria in the Final. Both teams won the promotion for Division A. Laura Juskaite (187-PF-97) led Lithuania to victory with 24 points and 14 rebounds. Dalia Belickaite (175-F-96) also was great adding 21 points, 9 rebs and 6 assists, while Ruta Drungilaite (183-SF-96) helped her team with 12 points. At the other side, Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) had amazing game scoring 42 points. She reached valuation 32 and was the MVP. Maria Kamburova (182-F-96) had 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Teodora Dineva (175-G-96) scored 12 pts in this defeat. Bulgaria had better start of the game (20-16), but all after that belonged to Lithuania. They made 17-26 in Q2 and continued with 19-30 after the breather for 16-point lead with 10:00 remaining. Lithuania jumped to plus 20 with 7 minutes to go and all after that was just the formality. Dalia Belickaite is named MVP of the tournament.

Places 3-4
Latvia - Portugal 42-35 OT
Latvia grabbed 42-35 OT win against Portugal in the last day of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Tallinn. It was the game for third place and Latvia won the Bronze, plus they won the promotion for Division A. Portugal stays without the medal and without the promotion. They will compete next summer in Division B again. Ieva Spigule (179-F-96) led the winners with 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Marta Bergmane (178-PG-96) added 9 points, plus 5 rebs. Paula Strautmane (182-F-97) followed them with 8 points and 10 rebounds. In Portugal, Francisca Meinedo (165-PG-96) (5 rebs) and Simone Costa (176-G-96) scored 11 and 10 points respectively. Maria Kostourkova (188-C-97) had 5 points and 10 boards. Latvia had 33-31 lead, when Meinedo made basket for Portugal tying the score at 33-33 with 1:29 remaining in regular time. Both teams were scoreless for rest of the game and it went to extra five minutes. Latvia limited its rival to just two points (free throws) in OT, while they drained 9 at the other side for 42-35 victory at the end. Quarters: 10-5, 14-9, 1-10, 8-9, 9-2 OT. Lithuania won the Gold in Tallinn.

Places 5-6
Ukraine - Poland 64-88
Poland was better than Ukraine in the last day of the championship in Tallinn. It was 88-64 victory and Poland won the fifth place at U16 EuroBasket Division B. Ukraine finished as No.6. Poland made 3-point lead in the first quarter and exploded with 27-13 for rest of the first half. They continued in the same rhythm after the breather making 24-point lead with 10:00 to go. Teams were tied in Q4 at 11-11, so Poland celebrated easy win at the end. Their best player was Aleksandra Mysinska (173-PG-96) with 20 points. Julia Tyszkiewicz (177-G-96) and Monika Radomska (188-PF-96) scored 14 and 11 pts respectively. In defeat, Vita Gorobets (180-SG-96) collected 25 points and 6 rebounds. Anastasiya Polovynka (176-G-96) had 13 points and Olga Yatskovets (181-C-97) added 8 pts, plus 9 rebs. Lithuania won the Gold in Tallinn.

Places 7-8
Finland - Slovenia 41-56
Slovenia outplayed Finland 56-41 for seventh place at U16 EuroBasket Division B in Tallinn. Finland ended as eighth ranked team at this event. Slovenia celebrated in this game thanks to great first and last quarter. They made 13-point lead in Q1, but Finland closed the game to 6 until the halftime. That's exactly how much Slovenia was ahead with 10:00 remaining and they shined for rest of the game (16-7) to take comfortable 15-point win at the end. Zala Lesek (187-F-97) was the only player with double digits in scoring for Slovenia. She had 14 points, but also grabbed 13 rebounds. Larisa Ocvirk (184-F-97) (5 rebs) and Sabina Ajkic (176-SG-96) (9 rebs, 6 as) helped with 9 and 8 points respectively. Ninni Salmi (182-F-96) answered with 9 points and 5 rebounds in defeat. Tuuli Menna (183-F-96) had 7 points and 10 rebounds (2/12 for FG2). Lithuania is the gold medal winner in Tallinn.

Places 9-10
Israel - Luxembourg 62-59
Israel finished as 9th ranked team of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Tallinn. They handed 62-59 loss to Luxembourg in the last day of the competition. Luxembourg finished as No.10. It was a very exciting game and winner is decided in the finish. Israel had 61-59 lead with 16 seconds remaining and Luxembourg had the possession. Goergen took the ball, but she made a bad pass, after what Banet was sent to the line immediately. She made first free throw, but missed the second one with 4 seconds left. However, that was not enough time for Luxembourg to get the shooting position. Quarters: 16-20, 16-13, 18-12, 12-14. Noa Zelivanski (171-PG-96) paced Israel with 18 points and Yarden Danan (177-SG-97) scored 14 pts. Yuli Grossman (171-PG-97) followed them with 11 points. In Luxembourg, Lisa Jablonowski (186-C-97) had double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds. Cathrin Wolff (179-C-96) also shined with 10 points and 13 boards, while Mia Pauly (176-F-96) stopped to 11 pts in this defeat. The Gold belongs to Lithuania, who outplayed Bulgaria in the Final 86-73.

Places 11-12
Belarus - Denmark 71-77
Denmark celebrated in the last day of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Tallinn. They outplayed Belarus 77-71 in the game for 11th place at this event. Naturally, Belarus finished as No.12. Denmark was up by 9 points with ten minutes to go and jumped to plus 13 at the beginning of Q4. Belarus came to minus four, but it was all from them for rest of the way. Quarters: 18-23, 22-23, 15-18, 16-13. Sarah Mortensen (182-F-97) orchestred the victory with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Benedikte Von Sprechelsen (176-G-96) had 11 pts and 14 boards, and Sandra Raun (177-G-96) netted 10 pts. At the other side, Belarus got 16 points and 5 rebs from Hanna Brych (183-C-97). Dziyana Sizonava (175-SF-96) had 15 points and 6 boards, while Yanina Inkina (183-PF-97) posted 12 pts and 5 rebs. Lithuania is the gold medal winner in Tallinn.

Places 13-15
Estonia - Norway 69-34
Estonia is the winner of Group G in Tallinn. They blasted Norway 69-34 for the first place in this pool. It means that the host of U16 EuroBasket Division B finished as No.13 at this event, while Norway is the last ranked team with 0-4 record in Group G. The hosts dominated during the entire game against Norway. They made 16-point lead in Q1 and increased it to plus 26 for the next ten minutes. Norway was not able to respond and Estonia celebrated 35-point win at the end. Marie Roosalu (177-F-96) led Estonia with 17 pts and 9 rebounds. Kadri-Ann Lass (177-F-96) had 15 points and 8 rebs, and Kadri Uiga (183-F-97) added 10 pts, plus 15 rebs. The top-scorer in Norway was Nini Skjulhaug (169-SG-96) with only 6 points. Alida Dale (179-PF-96) had 5 pts and 5 rebs.


Iceland takes Division C title in Gibraltar - by Eurobasket News

FINAL

U16 Iceland - U16 Cyprus 57-44
Iceland won the Gold at U16 EuroBasket Division C in Gibraltar. They handed 57-44 loss to Cyprus in the Big Final. Sara Run Hinriksdottir (181-F-96) was a key player in victory with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Sandra Lind Thrastardottir (180-C-96) also had amazing game collecting 8 points, 20 rebounds and 5 assists, while Gudbjorg Einarsdottir (164-PG-96) added 8 points. In defeat, Styliani Theodosiou (170-SG-96) top-scored with 18 points and Tijana Raca (176-SG-97) had 9 pts, plus 7 boards. Eleni Oikonomidou (180-C-97) followed them with 8 points and 10 rebounds. Iceland made 3-point lead in the first quarter and jumped to plus 12 until the halftime. Cyprus slightly improved after the breather, but it didnt help them to avoid 14-point deficit with ten minutes to go. Last quarter was just the formality and Iceland had no troubles to take the Gold in Gibraltar. Quarters: 16-13, 19-10, 10-8, 12-13.

Iceland: Sara Run Hinriksdottir 24+7 boards, Sandra Lind Thrastardottir 8+20 boards+5 as, Gudbjorg Einarsdottir 8
Cyprus: Styliani Theodosiou 18, Tijana Raca 9+7 boards, Eleni Oikonomidou 8+10 boards


PLACES 3-4

U16 Gibraltar - U16 Scotland 29-62
Scotland blasted Gibraltar in the last day of U16 EuroBasket Division C. It was a game for third place, so Scotland won the Bronze at this event. Gibraltar, who was the host of this championship, ended as No.4. Michelle Bradley (164-SG-96) led the winners in scoring with 13 points. Katie Fergus (179-C-96) had double-double of 11 points and 14 rebounds, while Keri Jackson (171-PF-96) added 7 points and same numbers of board. Natalie Rodriguez (170-F-96) was better than the others in defeat with 9 points and 5 rebs. Jamie Prescott (171-C-96) had 5 pts and 10 rebs. Scotland took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. They were up by 15 at the halftime and jumped to plus 19 with ten minutes to go. Scotland made 21-7 in the last period for huge 62-29 win at the end. Iceland won the Gold in Gibraltar.

Gibraltar: Natalie Rodriguez 9+5 boards, Jamie Prescott 5+10 boards
Scotland: Michelle Bradley 13, Katie Fergus 11+14 bards, Keri Jackson 7+7 boards


PLACES 5-6

U16 Andorra - U16 Malta 45-34
Andorra was better than Malta 45-34 in the last day of U16 EuroBasket Division C in Gibraltar. It was a game for fifth place at this event and Andorra took it. Malta ended as No.6. Andorra won three quarters, while only the last one belonged to Malta. The winners were up by 6 at the halftime and they created 14-8 in Q3 for plus 12. Malta was not able to reply for rest of the way. Laura Navarro (167-G-96) paced the winning squad with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Anna Mana (170-F-96) had 16 points and 6 rebs, and Claudia Brunet (163-PG-96) added 6 points, plus 9 boards. In Malta, Francesca Mifsud (169-F-96) was the leading scorer with 9 points. Julia Xerri (167-G-96) had 8 pts and 11 rebs, while Iona Agius (153-SG-97) scored 6 points. Quarters: 14-10, 10-8, 14-8, 7-8. Iceland won the Gold at this event.

Andorra: Laura Navarro 17+6 boards+5 as, Anna Mana 16+6 boards, Claudia Brunet 6+9 boards
Malta: Francesca Mifsud 9, Julia Xerri 8+11 boards, Iona Agius 6


PLACES 7-8

U16 Monaco - U16 Wales 38-27
Monaco registered first win at U16 EuroBasket Division C in Gibraltar. It was the last day of the competition and Monaco handed 38-27 loss to Wales. Thanks to this victory, Monaco avoided last place at this event and finished as No.7. Wales is the last ranked team with no win. Margaux Varvello (166-G-97) scored 11 points for Monaco and Emma Zeghdar (173-F-96) added 6 pts, plus 8 rebounds. Joanna Thomas (179-C-96) responded 11 points and 15 rebounds in loss. Tanisha Walker (180-C-97) had 10 pts and 16 boards, while all other Wales players had just 6 pts in total. Monaco celebrated in this game despite they were scoreless for ten minuets after the breather. Quarters: 15-4, 18-5, 0-11, 5-7. Iceland is the gold medal winner in Gibraltar.

Monaco: Margaux Varvello 11, Emma Zeghdar 6+8 boards
Wales: Joanna Thomas 11+15 boards, Tanisha Walker 10+16 boards


Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U16 Awards 2012 - by Eurobasket Center

Eurobasket.com All-Tournament 1st Team 2012
#s#
Cecilia Zandalasini
Zandalasini
Angela Salvadores
Salvadores
Ksenia Levchenko
Levchenko
Daria Kolosovskaya
Kolosovskaya
Kyara Linskens
Linskens
#e#5

Best Player: Cecilia Zandalasini (182-F-96) of Italy
Best Guard: Angela Salvadores (175-PG-97) of Spain
Best Forward: Cecilia Zandalasini (182-F-96) of Italy
Best Center: Kyara Linskens (189-C-96) of Belgium
Best Coach: Evaristo Perez of Spain

1st Team
PG: Angela Salvadores (175-97) of Spain
PG: Ksenia Levchenko (165-96) of Russia
SF: Daria Kolosovskaya (181-96) of Russia
F: Cecilia Zandalasini (182-96) of Italy
C: Kyara Linskens (189-96) of Belgium

2nd Team
PG: Julie Allemand (173-96) of Belgium
SG: Ivana Dojkic (176-97) of Croatia
SG: Iva Slonjsak (181-97) of Croatia
PF: Anita Kelava (185-97) of Croatia
F/C: Aleksandra Crvendakic (188-96) of Serbia

3rd Team
PG: Serife Onar (167-96) of Turkey
PG: Emma lina Stach (175-96) of Germany
SF: Debora Dubei (180-97) of Hungary
PF: Elizaveta Bratchikova (189-96) of
C: Agnes Dobos (190-96) of Hungary

Honorable Mention
Zhosselina Maiga (193-C-96) of Russia
Selale Kepenc (186-SF-98) of Turkey
Marzia Tagliamento (179-F-96) of Italy
Laia Flores (170-SF-96) of Spain
Tijana Cukic (173-PG-96) of Serbia
Gabriela Andelova (191-PG-96) of Czech Rep.
Sarah Berankova (176-PG-96) of Czech Rep.
Patricia Bura (185-C-96) of Croatia
Leah McDerment (180-PG-96) of England


Eurobasket.com All-European Championships U16 Division B Awards 2012 - by Eurobasket Center

Eurobasket.com All-Tournament 1st Team 2012
#s#
Dalia Belickaite
Belickaite
Kitija Laksa
Laksa
Borislava Hristova
Hristova
Laura Juskaite
Juskaite
Maria Kostourkova
Kostourkova
#e#5

Best Player: Dalia Belickaite (175-F-96) of Lithuania
Best Guard: Dalia Belickaite (175-F-96) of Lithuania
Best Forward: Borislava Hristova (180-F-96) of
Best Center: Maria Kostourkova (188-C-97) of
Best Coach: Ramune Kumpiene of Lithuania

1st Team
F: Dalia Belickaite (175-96) of Lithuania
G: Kitija Laksa (180-96) of Latvia
F: Borislava Hristova (180-96) of Bulgaria
PF: Laura Juskaite (187-97) of Lithuania
C: Maria Kostourkova (188-97) of Portugal

2nd Team
SG: Agne Cerneckyte (171-96) of Lithuania
F/G: Paula Lenart (178-96) of Romania
F: Tuuli Menna (183-96) of Finland
F: Karolina Pobozy (188-96) of Poland
C: Olga Yatskovets (181-97) of Ukraine

3rd Team
PG: Noa Zelivanski (171-96) of Israel
G: Vasilica Cuzic (171-96) of Romania
F: Kadri-Ann Lass (177-96) of Estonia
F: Sarah Mortensen (182-97) of Denmark
C: Lisa Jablonowski (186-97) of Luxembourg

Honorable Mention
Viyaleta Kuiliak (182-PF-96) of Belarus
Mia Pauly (176-F-96) of Luxembourg
Patrycja Klatt (171-G-96) of Poland
Zala Lesek (187-F-97) of Sovenia
Sabina Ajkic (176-SG-96) of Slovenia
Maria Kamburova (182-F-96) of Bulgaria
Vita Gorobets (180-SG-96) of Ukraine
Daugile Sarauskaite (196-C-96) of Lithuania


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  FINLAND   


Lappeenrannan Catz announce Chandrea Jones and Anni Makitalo - by Eurobasket News

Lappeenrannan Catz announce Chandrea Jones (175-SF-87, agency: LBM Management, college: Syracuse) and Anni Makitalo (175-F-91) for the upcoming season.
Chandrea Jones graduated from Syracuse (NCAA, starting five) and in her last season averaged 16.9ppg, 8.8rpg, 1.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 39.6%, 3Pts: 31.6%, FT: 74.1%. In 2009-2010 moved to Racing Luxembourg (Luxembourg-Diekirch League, starting five) and became the top-scorer with 34.6ppg, Reb-4 (13.9rpg), Assists-5 (3.6apg). In 2010-2011 she signed with Toulouse Metropole Basket (France-LFB, starting five) where her stats read 13.2ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 19.6%, FT: 77.6%.
In 2011-2012 Chandrea Jones moved to BC Dexia Namur Capitale (Belgium-D1, starting five) and showed 11.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 73.1% in EuroCup. In Belgian League her stats read 14.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 75.9%. The season 2012 she started with Rockhampton Cyclones (Australia-ABA, starting five).
Anni Makitalo comes back to Finland from Czech Republic. Since 2007 she played for Espoo Team, but last season went to Trutnov. In 2011-for Kara Trutnov (Czech Rep.-ZBL) she averaged 1.3ppg.


U16 Slovenia hands 56-41 loss to U16 Finland for seventh place in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News

U16 FINLAND - U16 SLOVENIA 41-56

Slovenia outplayed Finland 56-41 for seventh place at U16 EuroBasket Division B in Tallinn. Finland ended as eighth ranked team at this event. Slovenia celebrated in this game thanks to great first and last quarter. They made 13-point lead in Q1, but Finland closed the game to 6 until the halftime. That's exactly how much Slovenia was ahead with 10:00 remaining and they shined for rest of the game (16-7) to take comfortable 15-point win at the end. Zala Lesek (187-F-97) was the only player with double digits in scoring for Slovenia. She had 14 points, but also grabbed 13 rebounds. Larisa Ocvirk (184-F-97) (5 rebs) and Sabina Ajkic (176-SG-96) (9 rebs, 6 as) helped with 9 and 8 points respectively. Ninni Salmi (182-F-96) answered with 9 points and 5 rebounds in defeat. Tuuli Menna (183-F-96) had 7 points and 10 rebounds (2/12 for FG2). Lithuania is the gold medal winner in Tallinn.

Finland: Ninni Salmi 9+5 boards, Tuuli Menna 7+10 boards
Slovenia: Zala Lesek 14+13 boards, Larisa Ocvirk 9+5 boards, Sabina Ajkic 8+9 boards+6 as


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  FRANCE   


U18 Serbia beats U18 France 61-48 in their third friendly game - by Eurobasket News

U18 Serbia - U18 France 61-48

Serbia and France met in third friendly game in Kladovo. The home squad celebrated 61-48 victory in this meeting. France was better in Game Two 62-43, while Serbia celebrated 48-42 in their first friendly. Both teams will play at U18 EuroBasket in Romania, which starts next Thursday. Aleksandra Stanacev (167-PG-94) led Serbia in the latest game with 16 points. Stankovic scored 13 and Natasa Kovacevic (187-F-94) added 3 points less. In the loosing squad, Valeriane Ayayi (184-F-94) answered with 16 points and Lidija Turcinovic (178-G-94) had 11. Olivia Epoupa (165-PG-94) stopped to 7 pts this time. Quarters: 9-6, 19-16, 16-13, 17-13.
Serbia is expected to announce its final roster today or tomorrow. Also, Aleksandra Crvendakic will join the team tomorrow. She played for U16 Serbia, but they faced with relegation to Division B in Miskolc.

Serbia: Mandic 5, Nikolic, Vidakovic 7, Natasa Kovacevic 10, Stepanovic 3, Topuzovic 2, Aleksandra Stanacev 16, Vuckovic 2, Jankovic 1, Bokovic 2, Bonjak, Stankovic 13.
France: Fagnez 2, Badiane 5, Lidija Turcinovic 11, Olivia Epoupa 7, Toure 2, Lithard, Devillers 2, Valeriane Ayayi 16, Djaldi Tabdi, Mane, Gaye, Sissoko 3.


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  GERMANY   


Rene Spandauw and Stefanie Polder remain with their teams - by Eurobasket News

Rene Spandauw and Stefanie Polder remain with their teams for the upcoming season. The Heach Coach of TV Saarlouis Royals and the 19-year old player from TuS Bad Aibling Fireballs will enter 2012/2013 season with the same teams.
Stefanie Polder stay with TuS Bad Aibling Fireballs for the upcoming season. In 2011-2012 she played in 17 games and averaged 11.0ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 64.3%. In 2010 she was a member of the German U18 National Team -10.
Rene Spandauw is a Dutch specialist that joined the team in 2005-2006. It will be his 8th season with his German team. He became German Cup Finalist -06, German DBBL Semifinals -06, 07, German DBBL Cup Semifinals -07 and German DBBL Regular Season Runner-Up -07, 08. Moreover he was German DBBL Cup Winner -08, 09, German DBBL Finalist -08 and was named Eurobasket.com All-German DBBL Coach of the Year -09. Later Rene Spandauw was German DBBL Regular Season Champion -09, 10, German DBBL Champion -09, 10 and also the Head Coach of the German Women U16 National Team -09.


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  GIBRALTAR   


Scotland wins the Bronze at U16 EuroBasket Division C - by Eurobasket News

U16 Gibraltar - U16 Scotland 29-62

Scotland blasted Gibraltar in the last day of U16 EuroBasket Division C. It was a game for third place, so Scotland won the Bronze at this event. Gibraltar, who was the host of this championship, ended as No.4. Michelle Bradley (164-SG-96) led the winners in scoring with 13 points. Katie Fergus (179-C-96) had double-double of 11 points and 14 rebounds, while Keri Jackson (171-PF-96) added 7 points and same numbers of board. Natalie Rodriguez (170-F-96) was better than the others in defeat with 9 points and 5 rebs. Jamie Prescott (171-C-96) had 5 pts and 10 rebs. Scotland took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. They were up by 15 at the halftime and jumped to plus 19 with ten minutes to go. Scotland made 21-7 in the last period for huge 62-29 win at the end. Iceland won the Gold in Gibraltar.

Gibraltar: Natalie Rodriguez 9+5 boards, Jamie Prescott 5+10 boards
Scotland: Michelle Bradley 13, Katie Fergus 11+14 bards, Keri Jackson 7+7 boards


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  ICELAND   


Iceland wins the title at U16 EuroBasket Division C - by Eurobasket News

U16 Iceland - U16 Cyprus 57-44

Iceland won the Gold at U16 EuroBasket Division C in Gibraltar. They handed 57-44 loss to Cyprus in the Big Final. Sara Run Hinriksdottir (181-F-96) was a key player in victory with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Sandra Lind Thrastardottir (180-C-96) also had amazing game collecting 8 points, 20 rebounds and 5 assists, while Gudbjorg Einarsdottir (164-PG-96) added 8 points. In defeat, Styliani Theodosiou (170-SG-96) top-scored with 18 points and Tijana Raca (176-SG-97) had 9 pts, plus 7 boards. Eleni Oikonomidou (180-C-97) followed them with 8 points and 10 rebounds. Iceland made 3-point lead in the first quarter and jumped to plus 12 until the halftime. Cyprus slightly improved after the breather, but it didnt help them to avoid 14-point deficit with ten minutes to go. Last quarter was just the formality and Iceland had no troubles to take the Gold in Gibraltar. Quarters: 16-13, 19-10, 10-8, 12-13.

Iceland: Sara Run Hinriksdottir 24+7 boards, Sandra Lind Thrastardottir 8+20 boards+5 as, Gudbjorg Einarsdottir 8
Cyprus: Styliani Theodosiou 18, Tijana Raca 9+7 boards, Eleni Oikonomidou 8+10 boards


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  ISRAEL   


Israel is No.9, Luxembourg is No.10 at U16 EuroBasket Division B - by Eurobasket News

U16 ISRAEL - U16 LUXEMBOURG 62-59

Israel finished as 9th ranked team of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Tallinn. They handed 62-59 loss to Luxembourg in the last day of the competition. Luxembourg finished as No.10. It was a very exciting game and winner is decided in the finish. Israel had 61-59 lead with 16 seconds remaining and Luxembourg had the possession. Goergen took the ball, but she made a bad pass, after what Banet was sent to the line immediately. She made first free throw, but missed the second one with 4 seconds left. However, that was not enough time for Luxembourg to get the shooting position. Quarters: 16-20, 16-13, 18-12, 12-14. Noa Zelivanski (171-PG-96) paced Israel with 18 points and Yarden Danan (177-SG-97) scored 14 pts. Yuli Grossman (171-PG-97) followed them with 11 points. In Luxembourg, Lisa Jablonowski (186-C-97) had double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds. Cathrin Wolff (179-C-96) also shined with 10 points and 13 boards, while Mia Pauly (176-F-96) stopped to 11 pts in this defeat. The Gold belongs to Lithuania, who outplayed Bulgaria in the Final 86-73.

Israel: Noa Zelivanski 18, Yarden Danan 14, Yuli Grossman 11
Luxembourg: Lisa Jablonowski 13+10, Cathrin Wolff 10+13 boards, Mia Pauly 11


Hapoel Galil Elyon signs three American rookies - by Eurobasket News

Hapoel Galil Elyon officially announced singing of Sydney Carter (167-PG-90, college: Texas A&M), Adaora Elonu (185-F-90) and Christine Flores (190-F-90, college: Missouri) for the next season. All of them are rookies.
Sydney Carter is a product of Texas A&M University, where she had 10.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 3.1 apg in 34 games last season. This summer Carter played one game for the WNBA team Chicago Sky.
Adaora Elonu is also a product of Texas A&M University. She had 11.6 ppg and 6.2 rpg for 35 games last season.
Christine Flores heads to Israel from the University of Missouri. She appeared 31 times for the school as a senior averaging 16.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Flores played for the Phoenix Mercury during the WNBA pre-season. A year ago, Flores played for the USA National Team at Panamerican Games in Guadalajara.


RAMAT CHEN SIGNED KHADIJAH RUSHADAN !! - by Gil Goshen


One of the best team In Israel div 1 M. Ramat Chen
signed today Khadijah Rushdan a Rookie from Rutgers
who was draffted 15th 2012 draft.
according the team coach Shiki Falach Rushdan had a better money offer
here in Israel but she prefered to play in the center of Israel.
She will join to Samantha Prahalis and Jeanna Smith.
Wade Trophy finalist, All-BIG EAST First Team. Ranked among top 12 in the conference in FG percentage and assists while leading RU in assists and points per game.

Khadijah Rushdan (175-G-88, , college: Rutgers)


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  ITALY   


Katerina Zohnova heads to Liomatic Umbertide - by Eurobasket News

Katerina Zohnova (179-SF-84) heads to Liomatic Umbertide for the upcoming season. The Czech forward moves to Italy from France.
In 2004-2005 she started for BK Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary (D1) and debuted with 7.3ppg, 2.0rpg. Later she played for BK Loko Trutnov for 3 seasons and in the last one showed 14.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 83.3% in EuroCup, while in Czech Rep. League had 15.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 2FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 85.4%.
In 2008-2009 moved to AZS PWSZ Gorzow and in 2009-2010 played for Wisla Can-Pack Krakow (Poland-PLKK). In 2010-2011 appeared for Sony Athinaikos (Greece-A1) and averaged 9.1ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 86.4%. In Mar.'11 moved to Petrolina AEK Larnaca (Cyprus-A1) and then the season 2011-2012 started for Maccabi Bnot Ashdod (Israel-D1). In Jan.'12 Katerina Zohnova signed at USO Mondeville (France-LFB) and in French League averaged 8.3ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 76.5%. In EuroCup her stats read 9.5ppg, 1.0rpg.


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  LATVIA   


U16 Latvia wins the Bronze and promotion to Division A - by Eurobasket News

U16 Latvia - U16 Portugal 42-35

Latvia grabbed 42-35 OT win against Portugal in the last day of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Tallinn. It was the game for third place and Latvia won the Bronze, plus they won the promotion for Division A. Portugal stays without the medal and without the promotion. They will compete next summer in Division B again. Ieva Spigule (179-F-96) led the winners with 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Marta Bergmane (178-PG-96) added 9 points, plus 5 rebs. Paula Strautmane (182-F-97) followed them with 8 points and 10 rebounds. In Portugal, Francisca Meinedo (165-PG-96) (5 rebs) and Simone Costa (176-G-96) scored 11 and 10 points respectively. Maria Kostourkova (188-C-97) had 5 points and 10 boards. Latvia had 33-31 lead, when Meinedo made basket for Portugal tying the score at 33-33 with 1:29 remaining in regular time. Both teams were scoreless for rest of the game and it went to extra five minutes. Latvia limited its rival to just two points (free throws) in OT, while they drained 9 at the other side for 42-35 victory at the end. Quarters: 10-5, 14-9, 1-10, 8-9, 9-2 OT. Lithuania won the Gold in Tallinn.

Latvia: Ieva Spigule 13+11 boards, Marta Bergmane 9+5 boards, Paula Strautmane 8+10 boards
Portugal: Francisca Meinedo 11+5 boards, Simone Costa 10, Maria Kostourkova 5+10 boards


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  LUXEMBOURG   


Israel is No.9, Luxembourg is No.10 at U16 EuroBasket Division B - by Eurobasket News

U16 ISRAEL - U16 LUXEMBOURG 62-59

Israel finished as 9th ranked team of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Tallinn. They handed 62-59 loss to Luxembourg in the last day of the competition. Luxembourg finished as No.10. It was a very exciting game and winner is decided in the finish. Israel had 61-59 lead with 16 seconds remaining and Luxembourg had the possession. Goergen took the ball, but she made a bad pass, after what Banet was sent to the line immediately. She made first free throw, but missed the second one with 4 seconds left. However, that was not enough time for Luxembourg to get the shooting position. Quarters: 16-20, 16-13, 18-12, 12-14. Noa Zelivanski (171-PG-96) paced Israel with 18 points and Yarden Danan (177-SG-97) scored 14 pts. Yuli Grossman (171-PG-97) followed them with 11 points. In Luxembourg, Lisa Jablonowski (186-C-97) had double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds. Cathrin Wolff (179-C-96) also shined with 10 points and 13 boards, while Mia Pauly (176-F-96) stopped to 11 pts in this defeat. The Gold belongs to Lithuania, who outplayed Bulgaria in the Final 86-73.

Israel: Noa Zelivanski 18, Yarden Danan 14, Yuli Grossman 11
Luxembourg: Lisa Jablonowski 13+10, Cathrin Wolff 10+13 boards, Mia Pauly 11


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  MALTA   


U16 Andorra outplays U16 Malta for fifth place in Gibraltar - by Eurobasket News

U16 Andorra - U16 Malta 45-34

Andorra was better than Malta 45-34 in the last day of U16 EuroBasket Division C in Gibraltar. It was a game for fifth place at this event and Andorra took it. Malta ended as No.6. Andorra won three quarters, while only the last one belonged to Malta. The winners were up by 6 at the halftime and they created 14-8 in Q3 for plus 12. Malta was not able to reply for rest of the way. Laura Navarro (167-G-96) paced the winning squad with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Anna Mana (170-F-96) had 16 points and 6 rebs, and Claudia Brunet (163-PG-96) added 6 points, plus 9 boards. In Malta, Francesca Mifsud (169-F-96) was the leading scorer with 9 points. Julia Xerri (167-G-96) had 8 pts and 11 rebs, while Iona Agius (153-SG-97) scored 6 points. Quarters: 14-10, 10-8, 14-8, 7-8. Iceland won the Gold at this event.

Andorra: Laura Navarro 17+6 boards+5 as, Anna Mana 16+6 boards, Claudia Brunet 6+9 boards
Malta: Francesca Mifsud 9, Julia Xerri 8+11 boards, Iona Agius 6


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  MONACO   


Monaco beats Wales to avoid last place at U16 EuroBasket Division C - by Eurobasket News

U16 Monaco - U16 Wales 38-27

Monaco registered first win at U16 EuroBasket Division C in Gibraltar. It was the last day of the competition and Monaco handed 38-27 loss to Wales. Thanks to this victory, Monaco avoided last place at this event and finished as No.7. Wales is the last ranked team with no win. Margaux Varvello (166-G-97) scored 11 points for Monaco and Emma Zeghdar (173-F-96) added 6 pts, plus 8 rebounds. Joanna Thomas (179-C-96) responded 11 points and 15 rebounds in loss. Tanisha Walker (180-C-97) had 10 pts and 16 boards, while all other Wales players had just 6 pts in total. Monaco celebrated in this game despite they were scoreless for ten minuets after the breather. Quarters: 15-4, 18-5, 0-11, 5-7. Iceland is the gold medal winner in Gibraltar.

Monaco: Margaux Varvello 11, Emma Zeghdar 6+8 boards
Wales: Joanna Thomas 11+15 boards, Tanisha Walker 10+16 boards


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  NORWAY   


U16 Estonia keeps U16 Norway winless in Tallinn, ends as No.13 - by Eurobasket News

U16 ESTONIA - U16 NORWAY 69-34

Estonia is the winner of Group G in Tallinn. They blasted Norway 69-34 for the first place in this pool. It means that the host of U16 EuroBasket Division B finished as No.13 at this event, while Norway is the last ranked team with 0-4 record in Group G. The hosts dominated during the entire game against Norway. They made 16-point lead in Q1 and increased it to plus 26 for the next ten minutes. Norway was not able to respond and Estonia celebrated 35-point win at the end. Marie Roosalu (177-F-96) led Estonia with 17 pts and 9 rebounds. Kadri-Ann Lass (177-F-96) had 15 points and 8 rebs, and Kadri Uiga (183-F-97) added 10 pts, plus 15 rebs. The top-scorer in Norway was Nini Skjulhaug (169-SG-96) with only 6 points. Alida Dale (179-PF-96) had 5 pts and 5 rebs.

Estonia: Marie Roosalu 17+9 boards, Kadri-Ann Lass 15+8 boards, Kadri Uiga 10+15 boards
Norway: Nini Skjulhaug 6, Alida Dale 5+5 boards


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  POLAND   


U16 Poland takes fifth place in Tallinn, Ukraine is No.6 - by Eurobasket News

U16 UKRAINE - U16 POLAND 64-88

Poland was better than Ukraine in the last day of the championship in Tallinn. It was 88-64 victory and Poland won the fifth place at U16 EuroBasket Division B. Ukraine finished as No.6. Poland made 3-point lead in the first quarter and exploded with 27-13 for rest of the first half. They continued in the same rhythm after the breather making 24-point lead with 10:00 to go. Teams were tied in Q4 at 11-11, so Poland celebrated easy win at the end. Their best player was Aleksandra Mysinska (173-PG-96) with 20 points. Julia Tyszkiewicz (177-G-96) and Monika Radomska (188-PF-96) scored 14 and 11 pts respectively. In defeat, Vita Gorobets (180-SG-96) collected 25 points and 6 rebounds. Anastasiya Polovynka (176-G-96) had 13 points and Olga Yatskovets (181-C-97) added 8 pts, plus 9 rebs. Lithuania won the Gold in Tallinn.

Ukraine: Vita Gorobets 25+6 boards, Anastasiya Polovynka 13, Olga Yatskovets 8+9 boards
Poland: Aleksandra Mysinska 20, Julia Tyszkiewicz 14, Monika Radomska 11


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  PORTUGAL   


U16 Latvia wins the Bronze and promotion to Division A - by Eurobasket News

U16 Latvia - U16 Portugal 42-35

Latvia grabbed 42-35 OT win against Portugal in the last day of U16 EuroBasket Division B in Tallinn. It was the game for third place and Latvia won the Bronze, plus they won the promotion for Division A. Portugal stays without the medal and without the promotion. They will compete next summer in Division B again. Ieva Spigule (179-F-96) led the winners with 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Marta Bergmane (178-PG-96) added 9 points, plus 5 rebs. Paula Strautmane (182-F-97) followed them with 8 points and 10 rebounds. In Portugal, Francisca Meinedo (165-PG-96) (5 rebs) and Simone Costa (176-G-96) scored 11 and 10 points respectively. Maria Kostourkova (188-C-97) had 5 points and 10 boards. Latvia had 33-31 lead, when Meinedo made basket for Portugal tying the score at 33-33 with 1:29 remaining in regular time. Both teams were scoreless for rest of the game and it went to extra five minutes. Latvia limited its rival to just two points (free throws) in OT, while they drained 9 at the other side for 42-35 victory at the end. Quarters: 10-5, 14-9, 1-10, 8-9, 9-2 OT. Lithuania won the Gold in Tallinn.

Latvia: Ieva Spigule 13+11 boards, Marta Bergmane 9+5 boards, Paula Strautmane 8+10 boards
Portugal: Francisca Meinedo 11+5 boards, Simone Costa 10, Maria Kostourkova 5+10 boards


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  ROMANIA   


CSU Alba Iulia lands Amanda Thompson, according to report - by Eurobasket News

Amanda Thompson (183-F-87, college: Oklahoma) will play next season in Romania, according to Totalbaschet.ro. Reportedly, the player signed a deal with CSU Alba Iulia. Thompson played last season for the Israeli team Habikaa. She shined with 16.4 ppg, 12.7 rpg, 2.9 apg and 2.2 spg for 22 games in D1. Habikaa reached Playoff Semifinals and Thompson was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Honorable Mention -12. She was the second best rebounder of the competition.
Amanda Thompson was Player of the Year in Austria in 2010/11. She led the Flying Foxes Post SV Wien to championship title and Cup trophy that season. It was the first pro deal in Europe for Thompson, who graduated at the University of Oklahoma in 2010. That same year she had 1.6 ppg and 1.6 rpg for 7 WNBA games with the Tulsa Shock.


CSM Satu Mare signs American F Utahya Drye, completes roster for 2012/13 - by Eurobasket News

CSM Satu Mare completed its roster for the 2012/13 season. Their final addition is American forward Utahya Drye (185-F-88, college: Virginia Tech). She played last season for the Spanish second division team Duran Maquinaria Ensino Lugo averaging 14 points and 7.1 rebounds for 27 games. It 2010/11, Drye was a member of CAB Madeira. There she had 18 ppg, 9.8 rpg and 3.2 spg for 25 games. Madeira was the regular season champion and later reached Playoff Finals. Drye was best stealer for of the competition and she also was fifth rebounder. For her performance Utahya Drye was awarded with Eurobasket.com All-Portuguese League Forward of the Year -11.
Utahya Drye is a product of Virginia Tech University, where she graduated in 2010. She had 11.3 ppg, 6.6 rpg and 2.8 apg for her school in their last season together.


Abramzon Ekaterina and Tarta Ramona signed another year contract with CSU Alba Iulia - by Eurobasket News

Ekaterina Abramzon (185-F-87) and Ramona Tarta (173-G-89) signed another year contract with CSU Alba Iulia.
Ramona Tarta joined the team last season from BC ICIM Arad where she spent the whole career so far. In 2009-2010 for BC ICIM Arad (D1) she averaged 4.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.4apg in EuroCup and in Jan.'10 moved to SCM CSS U Craiova (D1).
In 2010-2011 for SCM CSS Craiova (D1, starting five) her stats read 13.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.2apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 78.3% in EuroCup and in Romanian League became the fifth top-scorer with 14.8ppg, 3.3rpg, Assists-3 (4.1apg), 2.1spg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 81.3%. Last season for CSU Alba Iulia (D1, starting five) her stats read 6.7ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 82.3%.
In 2010 Israeli National team player Ekaterina Abramzon was with MKB Euroleasing Sopron (Hungary-A) and then moved to A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra (Israel-D1) where she averaged 9.8ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 64.3%. In 2011-2012 she moved to CSU Alba Iulia (Romania-D1) and showed 14.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 3.0apg, Steals-1 (3.0spg), FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 61.5%.


Marta Fodor signs with Timisoara, Boriga Monika stays with Arad - by Eurobasket News

Marta Fodor (183-F-91) signs with BCM Bega Danzio Timisoara for the upcoming season. In 2008-2009 she started for U Trustul Cre Cluj Napoca (D1) and averaged 3.1ppg, 2.4rpg. In 2009-2010 continued for U Trustul Cre Cluj Napoca (D1), while in 2010-2011 moved to CS Universitatea Cluj Napoca (D1, starting five). In her first season she averaged 10.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 64.8%. In 2011-2012 for CS Universitatea Cluj Napoca (D1, starting five) her stats read 10.9ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.3apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 78.0%.
Monika Boriga (176-G/F-74) meanwhile will stay with Arad for another season. In 2010-2011 she joined BC ICIM Arad (D1, starting five) and averaged 11.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.6apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 44.5%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 73.6%. In 2011-2012 for BC ICIM Arad her stats read 10.6ppg, 2.7rpg, Assists-2 (5.1apg), 1.9spg, FGP: 39.8%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 79.1%. Last year she became Romanian Cup Semifinals -12 and reached Romanian League Semifinals -12.


BC Olimpia Brasov bring some changes for the next season - by Eurobasket News

BC Olimpia Brasov bring some changes for the next season as they announced three more players. Gabriela Necula (187-C-91), Anda Boltasu (182-C-93) and Maryna Sazonenko (175-G-86, college: Oregon St.) joined the team.
Gabriela Necula comes from Politehnica National Iasi to BC Olimpia Brasov. Last four season she played for Iasi and averaged 9.0ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 42.1%, FT: 74.4% in the last one.
Anda Boltasu moves to her new team from BCM Bega Danzio Timisoara. In 2008-2009 she played for BC ICIM Arad (D1) and averaged 3.2ppg, 2.2rpg, played mostly for junior team. In 2009-2010 played for CSS Bega Timisoara junior team and in 2010-2011 for BCM Bega Danzio Timisoara junior team.
Maryna Sazonenko comes from Ukraine. Last season Regina-Basket Bar strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old guard Maryna Sazonenko. In her first game she scored 14 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Despite her good performance her new team lost to Dynamo 70-85. Sazonenko played most recently at BrGU COR Victoria Brest (Belarus). She is a very experienced player. Sazonenko played also pro basketball in Belarus, Hungary and Poland. She graduated Oregon State University in 2004.


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  SCOTLAND   


Scotland wins the Bronze at U16 EuroBasket Division C - by Eurobasket News

U16 Gibraltar - U16 Scotland 29-62

Scotland blasted Gibraltar in the last day of U16 EuroBasket Division C. It was a game for third place, so Scotland won the Bronze at this event. Gibraltar, who was the host of this championship, ended as No.4. Michelle Bradley (164-SG-96) led the winners in scoring with 13 points. Katie Fergus (179-C-96) had double-double of 11 points and 14 rebounds, while Keri Jackson (171-PF-96) added 7 points and same numbers of board. Natalie Rodriguez (170-F-96) was better than the others in defeat with 9 points and 5 rebs. Jamie Prescott (171-C-96) had 5 pts and 10 rebs. Scotland took control on its rival from the beginning and never looked back. They were up by 15 at the halftime and jumped to plus 19 with ten minutes to go. Scotland made 21-7 in the last period for huge 62-29 win at the end. Iceland won the Gold in Gibraltar.

Gibraltar: Natalie Rodriguez 9+5 boards, Jamie Prescott 5+10 boards
Scotland: Michelle Bradley 13, Katie Fergus 11+14 bards, Keri Jackson 7+7 boards


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  SERBIA   


Mladi Krajisnik inks Velinovic, Petkovic and Osterman - by Eurobasket News

Mladi Krajisnik is very active on the transfer market these days. The Bosnian squad penned 1-year deals with Jelena Velinovic (193-C-81), Tamara Petkovic (170-G-89) and Martina Osterman (188-F-88). The club also locked young Biljana Borenovic (188-F-94) until 2016.
Jelena Velinovic heads to Mladi Krajisnik from the German team ChemCats Chemnitz. She joined them in December averaging 5.3 points and 5.3 rebounds for 12 games. Velinovic started the season with Ukrainian Dynamo-NPU Kyiv collecting 9.7 ppg and 6.5 rpg for 6 games.
Tamara Petkovic spent last season with Jagodina 2011. She had 13 ppg, 5 apg, 5.1 rpg and 2.4 spg for 23 games in Serbia. Petkovic was No.1 in assists.
Martina Osterman changed three teams last season. She started with BCM Bega Danzio Timisoara and left them for TV Saarlouis Royals. In January she joined Sloboda Novi Grad registering 11.9 ppg and 5.1 rpg for 7 games in Adriatic league. She had slightly better numbers in Bosnia.


U18 Serbia beats U18 France 61-48 in their third friendly game - by Eurobasket News

U18 Serbia - U18 France 61-48

Serbia and France met in third friendly game in Kladovo. The home squad celebrated 61-48 victory in this meeting. France was better in Game Two 62-43, while Serbia celebrated 48-42 in their first friendly. Both teams will play at U18 EuroBasket in Romania, which starts next Thursday. Aleksandra Stanacev (167-PG-94) led Serbia in the latest game with 16 points. Stankovic scored 13 and Natasa Kovacevic (187-F-94) added 3 points less. In the loosing squad, Valeriane Ayayi (184-F-94) answered with 16 points and Lidija Turcinovic (178-G-94) had 11. Olivia Epoupa (165-PG-94) stopped to 7 pts this time. Quarters: 9-6, 19-16, 16-13, 17-13.
Serbia is expected to announce its final roster today or tomorrow. Also, Aleksandra Crvendakic will join the team tomorrow. She played for U16 Serbia, but they faced with relegation to Division B in Miskolc.

Serbia: Mandic 5, Nikolic, Vidakovic 7, Natasa Kovacevic 10, Stepanovic 3, Topuzovic 2, Aleksandra Stanacev 16, Vuckovic 2, Jankovic 1, Bokovic 2, Bonjak, Stankovic 13.
France: Fagnez 2, Badiane 5, Lidija Turcinovic 11, Olivia Epoupa 7, Toure 2, Lithard, Devillers 2, Valeriane Ayayi 16, Djaldi Tabdi, Mane, Gaye, Sissoko 3.


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  SLOVENIA   


National Team F Martina Osterman stays in Bosnia - by Eurobasket News

Martina Osterman (188-F-88) will stay in Bosnia for the next season. The Slovenian forward penned a deal with Mladi Krajisnik Banja Luka. Osterman arrives to the club from Sloboda Novi Grad, where she finished 2011/12. She joined them in January averaging 11.9 points and 5.1 rebounds for 7 games in Adriatic league. In domestic championship the forward had 12.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 3.1 spg for 9 games. Martina Osterman started the season with Romanian BCM Bega Danzio Timisoara. She had 8 ppg and 4.5 rpg for 12 games, after what they parted ways. The player joined German team TV Saarlouis Royals, but appeared only once for them before she signed in Bosnia. From 2009 to 2011, Martina Osterman played for Hit Kranjska Gora. Before that, she was a member of Jezica Ljubljana and Domzale. Osterman is active member of the Slovenian National Team. The player had 3.8 ppg and 1.3 rpg in four games of 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications.


U16 Slovenia hands 56-41 loss to U16 Finland for seventh place in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News

U16 FINLAND - U16 SLOVENIA 41-56

Slovenia outplayed Finland 56-41 for seventh place at U16 EuroBasket Division B in Tallinn. Finland ended as eighth ranked team at this event. Slovenia celebrated in this game thanks to great first and last quarter. They made 13-point lead in Q1, but Finland closed the game to 6 until the halftime. That's exactly how much Slovenia was ahead with 10:00 remaining and they shined for rest of the game (16-7) to take comfortable 15-point win at the end. Zala Lesek (187-F-97) was the only player with double digits in scoring for Slovenia. She had 14 points, but also grabbed 13 rebounds. Larisa Ocvirk (184-F-97) (5 rebs) and Sabina Ajkic (176-SG-96) (9 rebs, 6 as) helped with 9 and 8 points respectively. Ninni Salmi (182-F-96) answered with 9 points and 5 rebounds in defeat. Tuuli Menna (183-F-96) had 7 points and 10 rebounds (2/12 for FG2). Lithuania is the gold medal winner in Tallinn.

Finland: Ninni Salmi 9+5 boards, Tuuli Menna 7+10 boards
Slovenia: Zala Lesek 14+13 boards, Larisa Ocvirk 9+5 boards, Sabina Ajkic 8+9 boards+6 as


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  SPAIN   


Cadi ICG Software inks Czech NT point guard Katerina Bartonova - by Eurobasket News

Katerina Bartonova (173-PG-90) will continue her career in Spain. The Czech Republic National Team point guard penned a 1-year deal with Cadi ICG Software (former Cai la Seu). Bartonova arrives to the club from VS Praha, where she finished last season. The PG joined them in December averaging 10.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4 assists for 28 games. She helped the team to reach ZBL and Cup Semifinals. Bartonova started the season with USK Praha, where she had 1.7 ppg and 1.3 rpg for 6 Euroleague games. She had better numbers for 13 games in ZBL: 4.5 ppg, 3.2 apg and 2.2 rpg. Katerina Bartonova joined USK Praha in 2008 from Sokol Hradec Kralove. With the Praha squad she won two championship titles in Czech Republic. As mentioned above, Bartonova is active member of the Czech Republic National Team. The point guard appeared in 3 games with them at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Ankara, but she had very limited playing time. At 2011 EuroBasket in Poland Bartonova averaged 2.8 points, 2.8 assists and 2.7 rebounds for 9 games. Czech Republic reached Semifinals at this event.


Spain U18 account for Czech Republic U18 - by Eurobasket News

Spain U18 - Czech Republic U18 87:43

Spanish U18 National Team earned the victory in the last preparatory game before the start of European Championship. They defeated Czech Republic behind 17 points from Marles Balart (182-F/C-94).
Spain surged ahead early in the game. They posted a 20:14 lead after ten minutes. The margin grew in the second quarter. Spain accumulated a 39:28 halftime lead. Czech Republic started to lag behind in the third quarter. Spain eased to a 22-point lead with one quarter remaining. Spain stunned their opponents with a 27:5 rally in the final quarter and sealed a comfortable win. Maria Arrojo (186-F-85) and Marina Lizaranzu (172-F-95) scored 13 points each for the winners. Pujol added 12 points in the victory. Karolina Severova (182-F-94) answered with 9 points for Czech Republic. Kamila Hoskova (174-F-95) notched 8 points in the losing case.

Spain U18: Marles Balart 17, Maria Arrojo 13, Marina Lizaranzu 13
Czech Republic U18: Karolina Severova 9, Kamila Hoskova 8


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  SWEDEN   


Emelie Enjebo heads to Jarfalla - by Eurobasket News

Emelie Enjebo (180-F/G-92) heads to Jarfalla for the next season. The Swedish Swingman signs with the new team after one year with Umea Comets.
In 2007-2008 she started for Solna Branten (BasketEttan, starting five). In 2008-2009 for Solna Vikings (Damligan) she averaged 2.0ppg. In 2009-2010 her stats read 1.8ppg, 1.5rpg. Last season for Solna Vikings (Damligan) Enjebo showed 3.8ppg, 1.9rpg.
In 2011-2012 Emelie Enjebo moved to Umea Comets (Damligan, starting five) and averaged 7.9ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 35.7%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 86.7%.
For her Awards/Achievements it is a must to mention Swedish Damligan Regular Season Champion -09 and Swedish Damligan Champion -09. In 2009/2010 she was a member of the Swedish U18 National Team -09-10 and participated at the Baltic Sea Cup in Tallinn (Estonia) -10. Moreover she became Swedish Damligan Finalist -10 and Swedish Damligan Semifinals -11.


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  SWITZERLAND   


Luzern Highflyers returns Tatjana Pavlovic, Lisa Mazzocchi back to Riva Basket - by Eurobasket News

Luzern Highflyers announced signing of Tatjana Pavlovic (180-F/C-90) for the 2012/13 season. The player spent last one with LNB team STV Luzern Basket Amazons averaging 16.7 points per game. In 2010/11, Pavlovic was a member of the LNA team SC Uni Basel, but appeared only 3 times for the club. She already played for the Highflyers in 2009/10, but they competed in LNB at that time. They will play in LNA next season.
Lisa Mazzocchi (170-G/F-90) returned to Riva Basket after two years. She played for the club from 2006 to 2010. Last two years Mazzochi spent with Fribourg winning the LNA title with them in 2011. Last season they reached LNA and League Cup Semis. The player had 8.4 ppg and 3.2 rpg for 30 LNA games. With Riva, Mazzochi won LNA title in 2008.


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  UKRAINE   


U16 Poland takes fifth place in Tallinn, Ukraine is No.6 - by Eurobasket News

U16 UKRAINE - U16 POLAND 64-88

Poland was better than Ukraine in the last day of the championship in Tallinn. It was 88-64 victory and Poland won the fifth place at U16 EuroBasket Division B. Ukraine finished as No.6. Poland made 3-point lead in the first quarter and exploded with 27-13 for rest of the first half. They continued in the same rhythm after the breather making 24-point lead with 10:00 to go. Teams were tied in Q4 at 11-11, so Poland celebrated easy win at the end. Their best player was Aleksandra Mysinska (173-PG-96) with 20 points. Julia Tyszkiewicz (177-G-96) and Monika Radomska (188-PF-96) scored 14 and 11 pts respectively. In defeat, Vita Gorobets (180-SG-96) collected 25 points and 6 rebounds. Anastasiya Polovynka (176-G-96) had 13 points and Olga Yatskovets (181-C-97) added 8 pts, plus 9 rebs. Lithuania won the Gold in Tallinn.

Ukraine: Vita Gorobets 25+6 boards, Anastasiya Polovynka 13, Olga Yatskovets 8+9 boards
Poland: Aleksandra Mysinska 20, Julia Tyszkiewicz 14, Monika Radomska 11


Sazonenko Maryna joins BC Olimpia Brasov - by Eurobasket News

Maryna Sazonenko (175-G-86, college: Oregon St.) joins BC Olimpia Brasov in Romania. The Ukrainain player moves from Regina. Last season Regina-Basket Bar strengthened their roster with addition of 26-year old guard Maryna Sazonenko. In her first game she scored 14 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Despite her good performance her new team lost to Dynamo 70-85. Sazonenko played most recently at BrGU COR Victoria Brest (Belarus). She is a very experienced player. Sazonenko played also pro basketball in Belarus, Hungary and Poland. She graduated Oregon State University in 2004.


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  WALES   


Monaco beats Wales to avoid last place at U16 EuroBasket Division C - by Eurobasket News

U16 Monaco - U16 Wales 38-27

Monaco registered first win at U16 EuroBasket Division C in Gibraltar. It was the last day of the competition and Monaco handed 38-27 loss to Wales. Thanks to this victory, Monaco avoided last place at this event and finished as No.7. Wales is the last ranked team with no win. Margaux Varvello (166-G-97) scored 11 points for Monaco and Emma Zeghdar (173-F-96) added 6 pts, plus 8 rebounds. Joanna Thomas (179-C-96) responded 11 points and 15 rebounds in loss. Tanisha Walker (180-C-97) had 10 pts and 16 boards, while all other Wales players had just 6 pts in total. Monaco celebrated in this game despite they were scoreless for ten minuets after the breather. Quarters: 15-4, 18-5, 0-11, 5-7. Iceland is the gold medal winner in Gibraltar.

Monaco: Margaux Varvello 11, Emma Zeghdar 6+8 boards
Wales: Joanna Thomas 11+15 boards, Tanisha Walker 10+16 boards


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  WBCBL   


Fayetteville Lady Rush wins Carolinas Regionals - by Willie McCray

Congrats to the Fayetteville Lady Rush semi pro basketball team, which is a part of the WBCBL. The team consists of players from Fayetteville and Raleigh, as well as Virginia areas around Hampton, Norfolk, Chesapeake and Fort Lee.

The Lady Rush won the Carolina regionals tournament, held in Charleston, S.C., on July 21. This is our first year in the league and have had a great and exciting season. The Rush will travel to Miami Lakes, Fla., on Aug. 3-5 for WBCBL Nationals


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  WNBA   


Evolving Bird now leader of dominant U.S. women's hoops - by Eurobasket News

It was the 1980s. Herschel and Nancy Bird, a doctor and registered nurse, were raising two girls in their suburban Long Island home. The youngest, Sue, had bedroom walls coated in canary yellow.

Storm point guard Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut), now 31, was asked if the faded gold coloring could have been foreshadowing her Olympic dreams.

"I was planning this since age 2!" she jokes.

Her career path was somewhat decided, too.

Not by her parents, who hoped she'd play basketball at Stanford and become a lawyer, as her older sister did. But by basketball experts who spotted her talent early and predicted success.

And now Bird is the leader of the U.S. women's team seeking gold at the Olympic Games that begin this week in London.

"Sometimes it's harder to prove people right when there's a lot of expectations," said Bird, who won two high-school titles, two NCAA championships at Connecticut, two WNBA titles with the Storm and four EuroLeague championships. "But I also know that even though I've achieved a lot and won a lot, I've had a lot of people help me along the way. Those memories will probably stick out more than most."

When talking rosters, this London lineup with Bird, a three-time Olympian, could be remembered as the best America has ever assembled.

Women's basketball is arguably the USA's most dominant Olympic team sport. The U.S. is attempting to win a fifth consecutive gold when play begins Saturday. Team USA has won 33 consecutive games at the Olympics.

But Bird isn't rushing to call this the best team. Not yet.

"The only time you can really compare teams is when you're comparing gold-medal winners," Bird said. "That's the challenge of this team."

It's a challenge that has always been Bird's dream since picking up a basketball in grade school simply because her sister, Jennifer, played. She dreamed of playing in the Olympics then the WNBA didn't exist until Bird was in high school.

And the dream materialized at the Athens Games in 2004. But Bird was the backup to the backup, Dawn Staley carrying the tradition five-time Olympic guard Teresa Edwards set on the grand stage for point guards. Bird, learning the international game and how to lead, had eight assists in seven Olympic matchups.

Bird returned to Seattle and helped the Storm win its first WNBA title.

USA Basketball, with Bird as the starting point guard, lost the 2006 World Championships, missing a chance for a guaranteed spot in the Beijing Games. The Storm went through turmoil, getting knocked out of the first round of the WNBA playoffs in consecutive years. In Russia, Bird's Moscow Dynamo team could reach only the quarterfinals in the prestigious EuroLeague playoffs.

Then there were the injuries to her neck, back and knees. Her averages dropped to career-low 10.4 points and 4.9 assists in 2007 in Seattle. That fall, coach Anne Donovan resigned and there was a roster overhaul.

"I had to look myself in the mirror and ask myself what did I want?" Bird said. "Did I want to just be somebody who fell off, for lack of a better way of saying it? Or did I want to prove that I was one of the best point guards? I really had to ... figure out what I needed to do to get myself back. When you're going through that, it's hard to get out."

Bird began by changing her diet, noticing that at about 10 pounds lighter she can play at an elite level longer. She also switched Russian teams, playing for Spartak with stars Diana Taurasi and Lauren Jackson the trio adapting to the "addicted to skinny" philosophy.

The last big change was studying.

Of the 144 women's basketball athletes prepared to compete in London, Bird believes she has played with or against players on every team except Angola, first-time competitors in the event. Bird's particularly familiar with the guards for France (Edwidge Lawson-Wade), Russia (Becky Hammon) and Australia (Kristi Harrower), countries Bird expects to be USA Basketball's toughest competition.

But only one of those point guards has always been projected to win gold seemingly since her mother chose a version of it as Bird's bedroom wall color. The question is whether she can achieve it, again, to join the all-time greats.

"I'm sure that once all is said and done, I'll see that I've achieved a lot," Bird said. "I was able to prove a lot of people right and maybe prove some people wrong, which is a good thing."

Courtesy of http://seattletimes.nwsource.com


Now healthy, Diana Taurasi sets her sights on 3rd gold medal - by Eurobasket News

Each swish of the net was met with cheers. But you couldn't blame Mercury fans if all they did was sigh.

Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) played her first competitive basketball game last Monday since May 26, making her first three shots, all 3-pointers, with ease. None was close to even grazing the rim.

Taurasi started and totaled 16 points and seven assists in about 24 minutes. But she didn't do it in a Mercury uniform. No, she was playing for the U.S. women's national basketball team as it prepared for the London Olympics.

Taurasi lasted all of 36 minutes of WNBA play because of a strained left-hip flexor. She's had to sit and watch the injury-riddled Mercury enter the WNBA's "Olympic break" at 4-15, the second-worst record in the league.

The question on everyone's mind until recently was would Taurasi be healthy enough to play in the Olympics in search for a third gold medal? But as she has shown in Team USA's recent tuneup games, barring a setback, Taurasi likely will be an Olympics star once again.

She hopes so, after a seven-week rehabilitation process that had a goal of being 100 percent healthy for the first time in "a long time."

"I didn't rush," Taurasi said before she left Phoenix to join Team USA. "Because usually when I've rushed, I reinjured myself. And if there's one year where it wouldn't be smart to rush and reinjure yourself, it's this year, with the Olympics ahead."

Taurasi won gold medals in the 2004 and 2008 Summer Games. She will enter elite company if she wins a third Olympic gold medal in a traditional team sport.

But that's not what Taurasi is looking forward to the most. Right now, nothing compares to the opportunity to play under her former coach at the University of Connecticut, and longtime friend, Geno Auriemma.

"That, to me, is worth more than any gold medal," said Taurasi, 30 and an eight-year WNBA veteran, all with the Mercury. "Just to be able to do this with him. ... amazing."

Auriemma has been a coach, teacher, friend and mentor to Taurasi since he recruited her out of Don Antonio Lugo High in Chino, Calif. Taurasi said Auriemma helped shape her into who she was -- a three-time NCAA champion -- and is today: considered by many to be the best player in the world.

Though there may be higher priorities on Taurasi's mind at the moment, the prestige of winning a third Olympic gold medal in a team sport isn't lost on her. She, as well as Olympic teammates Sue Bird and Tamika Catchings, can join the likes of Teresa Edwards, Lisa Leslie, Dawn Staley and Sheryl Swoopes as players with three or more Summer Olympic golds. (Edwards and Leslie are the only female athletes in history with four Summer Olympic gold medals in a team sport.)

"Rarely in team sports that you get to that number," Taurasi said.

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com